Faba Beans for Northwestern Europe: A Multi-Criteria Evaluation for Cold Tolerance and Quality

Faba Beans for Northwestern Europe: A Multi-Criteria Evaluation for Cold Tolerance and Quality | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Faba Beans for Northwestern Europe: A Multi-Criteria Evaluation for Cold Tolerance and Quality Reena Dubey, Anne Zaar, Riccardo Zustovi, Sofie Land, Kevin Dewitte, and 6 more This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-8647547/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Under Revision Version 1 posted 11 You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Faba bean ( Vicia faba L.) is a high-protein legume suited to Northwestern Europe, yet adoption is hindered by limited winter survival, acute cold events, and seed anti-nutritional factors notably vicine and convicine (VC) that constrain food use despite high protein content. We conducted a two-year, two-season study in Belgium (2022–2024) directly comparing winter versus spring accessions via field phenotyping, intact-seed NIRS (n=343), and standardized breadmaking (10% wheat-flour substitution). Winter accessions experienced pronounced cold stress, exhibited slower photothermal growth, and nonetheless produced higher thousand-kernel weight, whereas spring accessions flowered more synchronously and gained height faster per unit thermal time. Culture and microscopy of symptomatic stems indicated that ≈75% of winter injuries were abiotic cold shock, not pathogen mediated. NIRS accurately predicted protein and VC, revealing exploitable diversity: white-flowered lines tended toward higher protein but elevated VC, while several coloured-flowered lines were low-VC, indicating a path to decouple food safety from protein gain. Multiple accessions achieved competitive loaf expansion (V/G ≈4.3) with acceptable crumb texture. These results define breeding priorities for Northwestern Europe: acute cold-shock tolerance with reliable winter hardiness, reduced VC at maintained protein, and validated flour functionality to enable field-to-fork deployment of faba bean. Vicia faba L. Cold shock Protein Vicine Convicine Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 Figure 7 Figure 8 Figure 9 Figure 10 Figure 11 Introduction Faba bean ( Vicia faba L.) is an important grain legume recognized for its high-protein seeds and agronomic benefits​. The protein content of dry seeds is generally around 30% protein, along with ample minerals and bioactive compounds​, making faba bean a valuable source of plant protein for food and feed (Karkanis et al., 2018a ). Equally important, faba bean contributes to sustainable agriculture through symbiotic nitrogen fixation, enhancing soil fertility and reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers in crop rotations​. These attributes have spurred interest in expanding faba bean cultivation to improve protein self-sufficiency in Europe. Under optimal conditions, faba bean cultivars can yield up to ~ 8–9 tons per hectare, outperforming many other pulse crops (Lippolis et al., 2023 ; Metayer, 2004 )​. However, actual farm yields in temperate regions often remain well below this potential – frequently under half the attainable yield – due to a range of biotic and abiotic stresses that constrain the crop​ (Lippolis et al., 2023 ). Northwestern (NW) Europe is generally considered as the most productive region for faba bean which is a cool-season legume. It is particularly sensitive to drought and heat stress which reduces yield potential in southern parts of the world. In NW Europe, growers face specific hurdles to integrate faba beans into cropping systems under the region’s unpredictable, damp climate. One key consideration is the choice between winter and spring sowing. In areas with mild winters, faba bean is typically sown in autumn (as a “winter” crop), whereas in colder zones planting is postponed until late winter or early spring to avoid frost damage ​(Bilalis et al., 2003 ; Karkanis et al., 2018a ; Sallam et al., 2015a ). Winter-type faba bean varieties do not have an absolute vernalization requirement; rather, exposure to cold can accelerate and synchronize flowering. When winter-sown plants survive overwintering, their longer growing season generally confers higher yield potential than spring types, though responses vary by genotype and environment. By contrast, spring faba bean varieties – sown after the last frost – escape the risk of overwinter freeze but have a shorter growing period. Spring types tend to invest more in seed quality; for example, trials have found that spring faba beans often achieve higher seed protein concentrations, even though their overall yield is usually lower than winter types (Segers et al., 2022 ). Thus, the phenological distinction between winter and spring faba beans has important implications for development and cultivation: winter forms capitalize on early-season resources but demand sufficient cold tolerance, whereas spring forms sacrifice some yield for greater safety in harsh climates (Flores et al., 2013 ; Link et al., 2010 ). The NW European climate itself imposes several stresses on faba bean cultivation. Excessive rainfall and heavy soils can lead to waterlogging, a condition to which faba bean is relatively more tolerant than many grain legumes but that still severely limits its growth and yield when it occurs during sensitive stages like flowering​ (Pampana et al., 2016 ; Solaiman et al., 2007 ). Even brief periods of saturated soil have lasting negative effects on faba bean physiology (e.g. reduced chlorophyll), and recovery is often incomplete​ (Karkanis et al., 2018a ; Pociecha et al., 2008 ). Alongside moisture stress, unseasonal temperature fluctuations pose a threat. Faba bean is notably susceptible to frost injury, especially during flowering and pod development (Maqbool et al., 2010 )​. Sudden cold shocks or late frosts can damage foliage and reproductive organs, sometimes killing poorly acclimated plants. Notably, cold-shock damage on leaves can mimic symptoms of disease – for instance, frost-induced necrotic spots may resemble the chocolate-brown leaf lesions of Botrytis (chocolate spot) infection. However, unlike a true infection, such abiotic lesions remain localized to the tissue exposed at the time of the cold event and do not spread further​ ( saskpulse.com ). These climate-related challenges underscore the need for faba bean varieties with strong cold tolerance and resilience to water stress to succeed in NW Europe’s wet and variable conditions(Karkanis et al., 2018a ). Beyond agronomic performance and stress resistance, seed quality is also a critical aspect of faba bean evaluation for both nutritional and end-use considerations. Faba bean seeds are protein rich which underscores their potential contribution to human and animal diets as a sustainable protein source. However, the crop’s value is partly curtailed by the presence of certain anti-nutritional compounds in the seed. In particular, faba beans contain high levels of polyphenolic tannins in their seed coats and two unique pyrimidine glycosides, vicine and convicine, in the cotyledons (Crépon et al., 2010 ). These compounds have well-documented anti-nutritional effects. Tannins can bind proteins and reduce their digestibility, and they are largely responsible for the bitter, astringent “beany” taste often associated with faba bean products​ (Crépon et al., 2010 ; Labba et al., 2021 )​. The vicine-convicine (VC) glycosides likewise have no nutritional benefit and can be harmful: in individuals with an inherited enzyme deficiency (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency), ingestion of vicine and convicine can trigger favism, a form of acute haemolytic anaemia ​(Luzzatto & Arese, 2018 ). Even in the general population, these glycosides are implicated in reducing faba bean palatability – recent studies have found correlations between higher vicine-convicine content and increased bitterness and mouth-dryness in faba bean ingredients ​(Tuccillo et al., 2022 ). Therefore, both tannins and VC not only limit the nutritional quality of faba beans (especially for non-ruminant animals and direct human consumption) but also affect consumer acceptance due to flavour issues. Given these considerations, improving faba bean quality traits is a major objective alongside yield and stress tolerance in breeding programs. Developing cultivars with low or zero VC content is particularly important for enhancing faba bean’s food and feed value ​(Choi et al., 2024 ). In recent years, breeders have identified genetic sources of the recessive low-VC trait and have begun releasing VC low varieties to mitigate the risks of favism and broaden faba bean’s marketability. Similarly, low-tannin (sometimes called “zero-tannin”) faba bean variants are desirable for food uses, as they have a clearer seed coat and milder flavour. In fact, the European registry of varieties now includes several faba bean lines classified by their improved quality, specifically having a greatly reduced tannin content in the seed coat ​(Lippolis et al., 2023 ). Such low-tannin varieties (often recognizable by their white flower phenotype) produce beans without the dark testa and bitterness associated with high-condensed-tannin types. Ultimately, the ideal faba bean for NW Europe should combine multiple advantageous traits: sufficient winter hardiness or cold tolerance, resistance to the major diseases, high yield potential, and superior seed quality (high protein with minimal anti-nutritional factors) ​(Karkanis et al., 2018a ). Recognizing this, recent studies and breeding efforts emphasize multi-criteria improvement of faba beans​. The present study contributes to these efforts by evaluating a range of winter and spring faba bean cultivars in NW Europe under wet, cool-season conditions. We focus on a comprehensive set of criteria—from cold tolerance and phenological development to seed composition (including protein and VC levels), and other quality attributes relevant to end-use. Importantly, we also include a baking performance test to assess the suitability of selected cultivars for human consumption and value-added food products. By integrating agronomic, nutritional, and functional quality assessments, this study aims to identify promising faba bean genotypes and traits that support both crop resilience and food system diversification in NW European agriculture Materials and Methods Experimental Design and Plant Material This study was conducted at Ghent University’s experimental farm (Melle) across two seasons (2022–2023; 2023–2024) and evaluated winter and spring-sown faba bean. The work comprised two phases: a Year 1 genotype-screening phase and a Year 2 mini-plot trial. In Year 1, each variety was sown in two genotype-screening rows with 30 seeds per row, and phenology (BBCH) and plant height were recorded at scheduled intervals. In Year 2, each accession was grown in six randomized mini-plots of 1 m², each plot consisting of three lines spaced 0.5 m apart with 0.2 m in-row spacing (five seeds per line; 15 seeds per plot; 90 seeds per accession), with 0.75 m alleys between plots; phenology and plant height were recorded as in Year 1. The winter trials included 24 varieties in Year 1 and 30 in Year 2, and the spring trials included 18 varieties in both years. The complete list of accessions is provided in Supplementary Table 4.1. Figure i : Aerial (UAV) image of the Year 2 spring season field trial, showing early vegetative growth of faba bean genotypes arranged in a randomized complete block design. The trial consists of 1 × 1 m² miniplots with 3 replications, each representing an individual genotype. Field Management and Fertilisation Across all trials, standard field management practices were applied to control weeds, pests and diseases and to ensure adequate nutrient supply. The main fertilisation and plant protection treatments for each season and trial are summarised below. Winter 2022–2023 : Pre-emergence weed control consisted of pendimethalin (Stomp Aqua; 1.8 L ha⁻¹) plus dimethenamid-P (Frontier Elite; 0.7 L ha⁻¹). Disease was managed with fluopyram (Luna Privilege; 0.5 L ha⁻¹) targeting Botrytis spp., and aphids were controlled with pirimicarb (Pirimor; 0.4 kg ha⁻¹). No NPK fertiliser was applied because plant survival was very low relative to the field area; only a small amount of K₂O was supplied to selected surviving plants. Spring 2023 : Before sowing, plots received 60 kg P₂O₅ ha⁻¹ as triple superphosphate and 100 kg K₂O ha⁻¹ as KornKali. Pre-emergence weed control used pendimethalin (Stomp Aqua; 1.8 L ha⁻¹) plus dimethenamid-P (Frontier; 1.0 L ha⁻¹). Botrytis spp. was controlled with fluopyram (Luna Privilege; 0.5 L ha⁻¹). Aphids ( Aphis spp.) were managed with pirimicarb (Pirimor; 0.4 kg ha⁻¹) in two applications, and Bruchus spp. were controlled with lambda-cyhalothrin (Karate Zeon; 0.05 L ha⁻¹). Winter 2023–2024 : Pre-emergence weed control again used dimethenamid-P (Frontier; 0.9 L ha⁻¹) plus pendimethalin (Stomp Aqua; 1.8 L ha⁻¹). Potassium fertiliser was applied as 120 kg K₂O ha⁻¹ from KornKali. Botrytis spp. was controlled with fluopyram (Luna Privilege; 0.5 L ha⁻¹). Post-emergence broadleaf weed control combined bentazon + imazamox (Corum; 1.25 L ha⁻¹) with the oil adjuvant Dash (0.625 L ha⁻¹). Later in the season, a combined fungicide–insecticide treatment was applied with metconazole (Caramba; 1.2 L ha⁻¹) targeting Uromyces viciae-fabae and pirimicarb (Pirimor; 0.4 kg ha⁻¹) for aphids. Spring 2024 : Pre-emergence weed control consisted of dimethenamid-P (Frontier; 1.0 L ha⁻¹) plus pendimethalin (Stomp Aqua; 1.8 L ha⁻¹). Potassium fertilisation was 120 kg K₂O ha⁻¹ as KornKali. A combined fungicide–insecticide application later in the season used metconazole (Caramba; 1.2 L ha⁻¹) against Uromyces viciae-fabae and pirimicarb (Pirimor; 0.4 kg ha⁻¹) against aphids, followed by lambda-cyhalothrin (Karate Zeon; 0.075 L ha⁻¹) targeting Bruchus spp. Phenotyping and Data Collection Phenotypic data were collected over two growing seasons under contrasting sowing conditions, autumn (winter) and spring, to assess the influence of seasonal timing on faba bean development and trait expression. Field observations were systematically recorded using the Field Book mobile application (Rife & Poland, 2014), enabling standardized, efficient, and georeferenced data acquisition across all plots and time points. All developmental stages were documented using the BBCH scale for faba bean, providing a consistent and widely recognized framework for recording phenological progression. Observations began at sowing and continued at regular intervals until physiological maturity, covering key traits such as germination, flowering time, plant height, branching, and maturity. Environmental data, including daily temperature, precipitation, and soil moisture, were obtained from the Royal Meteorological Institute of Belgium (KMI) to examine climatic influences on crop development. The trials were conducted under open-field conditions representative of NW Europe. Cold stress was primarily observed during the winter-sown trials, particularly in the 2022–2023 season, when plants were exposed to episodes of cold shock and persistently low soil temperatures during early seedling establishment. These conditions led to partial winterkill and uneven emergence across plots. In contrast, the 2023–2024 winter season was relatively mild, resulting in more uniform plant establishment and survival. As expected, spring-sown trials were less affected by cold stress due to higher ambient temperatures and reduced exposure to early-season frost. Across the winter trials, a combination of low temperatures, slow and heterogeneous emergence and disease pressure led to substantial winter mortality in a subset of genotypes. In severely affected plots, phenological and morphological observations could therefore only be recorded on the surviving plants. Winter survival itself is a key trait for breeders, and genotypes that failed to overwinter were retained in the dataset and explicitly identified as winter sensitive. However, to ensure consistency and analytical reliability for traits expressed later in the season (e.g. architecture, flowering and yield), only genotypes with at least some plants surviving to maturity were included in the corresponding trait analyses, and reported values represent means calculated from those surviving individuals. This approach inevitably reduced replication for some genotypes, but it avoided biasing trait estimates while still preserving information on lack of winter tolerance, which is of direct relevance for breeding. The following traits/events were recorded on a per-plant basis: Sowing and Harvesting Dates : Used to define the duration of the crop cycle under each sowing regime. Number of Branches : Total number of primary branches per plant, recorded at both vegetative and flowering stages. Plant Height : Measured from soil surface to the highest point of the plant. Flowering : Noted as the BBCH stage when the first open flower appeared; the node position of the first flower was also recorded. Thousand-Kernel Weight (TKW) : Calculated post-harvest by weighing a subsample of 100 seeds and extrapolating to 1000 seeds, after standardizing for moisture content. This phenotyping framework was applied in both autumn and spring-sown trials to enable comparative assessment of seasonal effects on plant performance. NIRS-Based Analysis of Protein, Vicine, and Convicine in Faba Bean Germplasm Near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) was employed to determine the compositional traits of faba bean seeds, focusing on protein, vicine, convicine, and total vicine–convicine (VC) content using Poorman’s calibration pipeline discussed in last chapter. The analysis was conducted directly on intact seeds, allowing for rapid, non-destructive, and high-throughput phenotyping. This approach was applied to both experimental trial samples and the diverse faba bean collection maintained at Ghent University (UGent Fababean collection), enabling the characterization of genetic variation in key nutritional and antinutritional compounds. Calibration models were developed using a representative subset of samples with wet-chemistry reference values and evaluated via R² and RMSE, following a “poor man’s” calibration pipeline (Dubey, 2025, under review). The protein model showed strong predictive ability (R² = 0.92; RMSE = 0.35%), and models for vicine and convicine performed similarly well (R² = 0.89 and 0.87; RMSE = 0.12% and 0.10%, respectively; Dubey et al., 2024, under review). Total vicine–convicine (VC) content was calculated as the sum of individual vicine and convicine concentrations, providing an integrated metric for selection. The use of intact-seed NIRS enabled efficient screening of large numbers of samples while preserving seed integrity for further testing or planting. Cold Shock and Pathogenicity Assessment Cold Shock and Pathogenicity Assessment Cold shock symptoms were monitored as part of routine phenotyping in autumn-sown faba bean field trials conducted during the 2022–2023 and 2023–2024 growing seasons. Symptomatic plants exhibiting stem discoloration during the early vegetative stage were identified through systematic field scouting and collected for laboratory diagnostics to investigate putative pathogenic agents. Because the observed symptoms were brown to black necrotic lesions on the stem base and collar, we focused on the principal necrotrophic and soil-borne fungi reported to cause such diseases in faba bean. These include Ascochyta fabae/Didymella fabae , Botrytis fabae , Fusarium spp. and Rhizoctonia solani , all of which are readily cultured on PDA (e.g. Blake et al., 2022; Hashem et al., 2021; Lee et al., 2020; Paul et al., 2022). We therefore used PDA-based isolation combined with microscopic examination to detect viable infections, recognising that this method may under-represent non-culturable or strictly host-dependent pathogens but provides robust coverage of the major disease agents underlying the stem browning observed in this study. In both years, symptomatic stem tissues were cultured on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) medium under sterile conditions. To minimize surface contamination and standardize handling prior to culture, tissues were prepared using two pre-plating treatments performed under aseptic conditions. Washed samples : Excised stem segments were transferred to sterile 50-mL tubes and rinsed three times in sterile distilled water (SDW). For each rinse, samples were fully immersed in fresh SDW, gently agitated for ~ 30 s to dislodge loosely adherent debris and epiphytic microbes, and the rinse water was discarded before adding new SDW. After the third rinse, excess moisture was removed by blotting on sterile filter paper to prevent dilution of the plating medium. Surface-disinfected samples : Stem segments were surface-sterilized in 1% (v/v) sodium hypochlorite solution (Haz-Tab; Guest Medical, UK) for 1 min with gentle agitation to reduce epiphytic microbial load. Following disinfection, samples were rinsed three times in fresh SDW to remove residual NaOCl that could inhibit subsequent microbial growth. After the final rinse, tissues were blotted dry on sterile filter paper prior to plating. A total of 84 samples, comprising 42 samples rinsed in water and 42 samples treated with 1% sodium hypochlorite followed by rinsing with water were analysed. Plates were incubated at room temperature (approximately 22–25°C) under ambient light for 5–7 days. Emerging microbial colonies, if present, were sub-cultured and examined under a light microscope to assess morphological characteristics. Colony morphology (e.g., shape, colour, texture, and margin) was documented and used to support preliminary identification. Microscopic observation focused on the presence of fungal hyphae, spores, or bacterial cells, aiding in the differentiation between potential pathogens and non-pathogenic organisms. All handling and observations were conducted under sterile conditions to avoid cross-contamination. Taste Evaluation and Baking Test Approximately 2 kg of seed samples from each of the 28 faba bean accessions were used for baking and sensory evaluation, carried out in collaboration with Paniflower NV, a commercial bakery partner specializing in functional bread testing. These accessions included both winter and spring types and are listed in Supplementary Table 2. The purpose of the sensory analysis was twofold: first, to evaluate the flavour profile of faba beans, and second, to assess the functional performance of faba bean flour when incorporated into bread. A trained sensory panel evaluated key attributes, including flavour profile of the tested, texture, and bitterness, with specific attention to any off notes linked to tannin content. For the baking test, beans were first milled into wholemeal flour under standardized conditions. The resulting flour was used in a standard bread formulation, with 10% of the wheat flour substituted by faba bean flour (200 g faba bean flour per 2000 g total flour). The standardized straight-dough method was used, and baking was conducted by Paniflower NV to ensure consistency in equipment and procedure. 1160 g of water, 40 g of fresh yeast, 40 g of bread improver, and 34 g of salt were added the wheat-faba bean flour mixture. All dry ingredients were thoroughly mixed before incorporating water and yeast. The doughs were then kneaded until optimal gluten development was achieved. Proofing was carried out for 60 minutes at 30°C and 80% relative humidity, ensuring consistent fermentation. The loaves were subsequently baked at 220°C for 25 minutes. This protocol was uniformly applied across all faba bean accessions and the wheat control (Ref-Blanco) to ensure comparability in baking performance and sensory outcomes. The trained panel further evaluated the baked products for their crumb structure, flavour, and overall acceptability. In addition to sensory assessment, key functional properties such as loaf volume, and crumb softness were recorded to generate a comprehensive profile of the culinary and technological potential of each accession. After cooling, loaves were evaluated for the following parameters: Volume-to-Weight Ratio (V/G): Baking performance was summarized as V/G, the loaf’s volume-to-weight ratio. Loaf volume (V) was measured by the rapeseed displacement method and divided by the corresponding loaf weight (G). Higher V/G denotes greater loaf expansion. Smell Rating: A trained sensory panel of five members rated the bread aroma on a scale of 1 (pleasant) to 5 (unpleasant), with particular attention to beany, bitter, or earthy notes typically associated with legume flours and tannin presence. Crumb Softness: Crumb texture was assessed instrumentally using a texture analyser to quantify crumb softness, a key quality trait influencing consumer acceptance. Bread slices, approximately 25–30 mm thick, were taken from the centre of each loaf, avoiding crust regions. A cylindrical probe was used to compress the crumb to 25% of its original height at a constant speed, and the maximum force required for compression (in grams-force/gf) was recorded. Higher force values indicate firmer crumbs, while lower values correspond to softer, more aerated structures. This standardized method was applied across all accessions and the wheat control to ensure consistency in measurement. Analysis and Visualization All data analyses were conducted using R version 4.4.2 (R Core Team, 2016) within the RStudio environment. The statistical procedures aimed to identify significant differences among the tested varieties and to explore correlations between environmental variables, phenological stages, and quality traits. All figures and visualizations presented in the study were also generated using R studio. Results Overview of Varietal Trials and Experimental Conditions This study evaluated the developmental phenology of a diverse panel of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) genotypes across four contrasting growing seasons in NW Europe: Winter 2022–2023, Spring 2023, Winter 2023–2024, and Spring 2024. A total of 24, 30, 18, and 18 varieties were evaluated in each respective season (Table i), providing a broad genetic basis for assessing seasonal responses in phenological development. The full list of varieties evaluated in each season is provided in Supplementary Table 1. In particular, autumn-sown crop (October–November sowings) experienced lower and more variable temperatures during early development, including cold shock events with daily minimums near or below freezing (Figure ii). These stress factors likely contributed to delayed emergence and prolonged vegetative growth. By contrast, spring-sown crops (April–May) developed under warmer and more favourable conditions, resulting in a more rapid progression through vegetative and reproductive stages, albeit over a shorter calendar duration. Across the four trials, 42 unique faba bean genotypes were sown. Of these, 35 genotypes were included in the winter trials and 18 genotypes in the spring trials, with 11 genotypes common to both seasons (Allison, Bolivia, Cartouche, Fernando, GL Sunrise, Jasmin, Magnolia, Nakka, Tiffany, Trumpet and Victus). The remaining winter-only genotypes were Augusta, Axel, Bumble, Curlew, Côte D’or, Diva, Favino, GL Alice, GL Arabella, Honey, Irena, MB21.3, MM 1.1, MM3.2, MS 5.2, MS 14.3, Nebraska, Niagara, Norton, Pantani, Tundra, Vespa, Vincent and Wizard, whereas the spring-only set comprised Fuego, Futura, GL Emilia, Genius, Lynx, Macho and Yukon. Phenotyping was carried out only on plants that survived to maturity. In both years, all 18 spring genotypes reached maturity. In contrast, only 11 genotypes completed their life cycle in winter: Augusta, Bumble, Côte D’or, Curlew, GL Arabella, Nebraska, Norton, Tiffany, Vespa, Vincent and Wizard, with Tiffany being the only accession that did so in both winter and spring. The remaining winter-sown genotypes (Allison, Axel, Bolivia, Cartouche, Diva, Favino, Fernando, GL Alice, GL Magnolia, GL Sunrise, Honey, Irena, Jasmin, MB21.3, MM 1.1, MM3.2, MS 5.2, MS 14.3, Nakka, Niagara, Pantani, Trumpet, Tundra and Victus) suffered severe winter kill or failed to reach maturity and are therefore classified as poorly winter-tolerant. Growing Degree Days (GDD) Accumulation Across Seasons To quantify crop development across seasons, GDD were calculated for each trial period using a base temperature of 5°C. Table i summarizes total GDD, crop duration, and average daily GDD. Spring trials accumulated thermal time more rapidly (10.5–12.6 GDD day⁻¹) than winter trials (5.1–6.0 GDD day⁻¹), enabling maturity within 99–122 days. Table i : Growing Degree Days (GDD) accumulation and duration of faba bean trials across four seasons (base temperature = 5°C). Season Sowing Date Harvesting Date Duration (days) Total GDD GDD/Day Winter 2022–23 11 Nov 2022 06 Jul 2023 238 1208 5.1 Spring 2023 05 Apr 2023 04 Aug 2023 122 1281 10.5 Winter 2023–24 17 Oct 2023 19 Jul 2024 277 1675 6.0 Spring 2024 13 May 2024 19 Aug 2024 99 1251 12.6 In contrast, winter-sown crops required 238–277 days, reflecting slower physiological progression under cooler early-season conditions. Notably, Winter 2023–24 combined the highest total GDD (1675) with the slowest accrual rate (6.0 GDD day⁻¹) and the longest duration (277 days). Spring 2024 paired the fastest rate (12.6 GDD day⁻¹) with the shortest duration (99 days). These patterns indicate that the rate of thermal accumulation, rather than total GDD alone, governs the compression of the development calendar. Figure ii : Daily temperature and rainfall trends during the growing seasons of faba bean in the field experiment. The orange ribbon indicates the daily minimum to maximum air temperature (°C), and the red line represents the daily average temperature. Blue bars depict daily rainfall (mm). Each panel corresponds to a specific season and year: Winter Year 1 (Oct 2022–Jul 2023), Winter Year 2 (Oct 2023–Jul 2024), Spring Year 1 (Feb–Aug 2023), and Spring Year 2 (Feb–Aug 2024). Furthermore, winter trials were subject to declining temperatures during autumn and early winter, with frequent cold shock events (daily minimums near or below freezing). These cold periods likely induced delayed germination, slower leaf development, and temporary metabolic suppression, reducing the daily GDD accumulation rate and prolonging the lifecycle. Although faba bean is moderately cold-tolerant, its vegetative and reproductive phases are sensitive to extreme temperature drops, which may influence biomass accumulation, branching, and floral initiation. Plant Height All plant height measurements were conducted on an individual-plant basis. Across all seasons and varieties, the overall mean maximum height attained was 86.7 ± 22.6 cm, underscoring substantial variability driven by seasonal temperature and photoperiod differences. Among the four environments, plants grown in Spring 2 (2024) achieved the highest average final height (106.0 ± 5.6 cm), followed by Spring 1 (2023) at 96.0 ± 7.3 cm. In contrast, winter-grown plants were significantly shorter and compact reaching 76.0 ± 17.5 cm in Winter 1 and just 51.1 ± 11.0 cm in Winter 2. The pronounced disparity between spring and winter seasons highlights the strong influence of seasonal differences on shoot elongation and canopy development in faba bean. To understand the timing of vegetative development, we examined the thermal threshold at which each genotype attained 80% of its final height - a proxy for the onset of canopy closure and plateauing growth (Figure iii). On average, this occurred at 779 ± 125 GDD, with clear seasonal divergence: 788 ± 57 GDD in Winter 1, 1015 GDD in Winter 2, 695 ± 45 GDD in Spring 1, and 714 GDD in Spring 2. The higher GDD threshold in Winter 2, despite a lower overall height, suggests delayed vegetative progression. Because GDD corrects only for temperature, this shift likely reflects non-thermal constraints, particularly light availability (cloud cover/incident radiation and effective photoperiod), rather than thermal effects alone. Flowering and vegetative development in faba bean are known to respond to daylength as well as temperature, with European germplasm often showing long-day or photoperiod-sensitive behaviour (Ellis et al., 1988 ; Lizarazo et al., 2017 ; Patrick & Stoddard, 2010a ), so seasonal differences in photoperiod and radiation may also have contributed to the slower progression observed in Winter 2. In contrast, spring environments supported more efficient height accumulation within a shorter thermal window. Figure iii Growth response of 32 faba bean varieties to accumulated Growing Degree Days (GDD) across four seasonal environments. Plant height (cm) is plotted against cumulative GDD (°C-days) from sowing to maturity for each variety, under two winter (2022–2023, 2023–2024) and two spring (2023, 2024) seasons. Each line represents seasonal growth dynamics, color-coded by season. Growth rate, expressed as the increase in height per unit of GDD, further illustrated seasonal adaptation. The fastest rates were observed in Spring 2 (0.136 ± 0.011 cm GDD⁻¹) and Spring 1 (0.111 ± 0.010 cm GDD⁻¹), whereas winter seasons exhibited lower rates: 0.082 ± 0.019 cm GDD⁻¹ in Winter 2 and 0.070 ± 0.017 cm GDD⁻¹ in Winter 1. Given that GDD standardizes temperature but not irradiance, these differences in cm GDD⁻¹ likely capture photothermal interactions, whereby reduced light in winter settings constrains growth per unit thermal time. From an agronomic perspective, these findings confirm a strong coupling between canopy development and thermal accumulation while also indicating that temperature alone is insufficient to explain seasonal patterns. The timing and rate of vegetative growth remain critical for maximizing light interception and yield potential—especially in intercrops where early vigour confers competitive advantage—but the results also underscore the importance of the light environment in modulating growth efficiency. The consistent early height gain under spring conditions therefore reflects both favourable thermal accumulation and greater light availability, supporting the adaptability of spring types in high-latitude contexts with delayed sowing windows. Branching Patterns in Winter and Spring-Sown Faba Bean Accessions Branching behaviour was assessed across winter and spring sowing conditions to evaluate genotypic plasticity and adaptation under varying seasonal environments in NW Europe. In the spring trials, branch development was generally more consistent and pronounced. During Spring Year 1, the average number of branches per plant ranged from 0.16 in GL Jasmin to 2.1 in Yukon. Other highly branched genotypes included Nakka (2.0), Victus (1.67), and Genius (1.7), while a subset of accessions such as GL Emilia, GL Sunrise, and Tiffany maintained fewer than one branch per plant. These patterns largely persisted in Spring Year 2, where most accessions retained an average of one branch, suggesting environmental consistency and stability in branching potential under spring sowing. In contrast, branching was significantly different in winter-sown accessions. During Winter Year 1, a few accessions exhibited moderate to high branching. Augusta, Côte D’or, and Curlew each produced up to 8 branches per plant, while others such as Bumble (7), Pantani (6), and Vespa (5) also demonstrated relatively high branching ability. Notably, Trumpet and Tiffany showed minimal branching with only 0–1 branches, while Vincent displayed variation (3–4 branches) across years. In Winter Year 2, overall branching was further reduced, with the majority of genotypes producing 0 to 2 branches. Several accessions, including MM1.1, MM3.2, MS14.3, and MS5.2, recorded zero branching (given that these were breeding lines selected from spring breeding material), indicating high susceptibility to winter conditions. Only Côte D’or (6), Curlew (5), and Niagara (5) maintained moderate branching levels, while most lines, such as Bolivia, Fernando, and Magnolia, remained unbranched. Figure iv : Contrasting growth habits of winter and spring faba bean genotypes. Left: A winter-sown variety (Côte D'or) exhibiting compact growth with multiple basal branches and short internodes, characteristic of vegetative development prior to floral initiation. Right: A spring-sown variety (Allison) displaying an elongated stem with no branching, typical of rapid vertical growth preceding reproductive development. Winter genotypes tend to maintain a compact form until the floral primordia stage, after which internodal elongation occurs. In contrast, spring genotypes undergo early stem elongation before initiating flowering. These seasonal contrasts suggest that branching in faba bean is highly sensitive to winter stress, particularly during early vegetative phases. The increased branching observed in winter trials may be attributed to cold-induced mechanism for survival during frost events. In our material, most genotypes grown in spring showed a predominantly single-stem habit, whereas dual-season varieties that can be grown in both seasons (e.g. ‘Côté d’Or’, ‘Fernando’) consistently produced more basal branches when sown in winter than when sown in spring. Thus, rather than maintaining a stable branching pattern across seasons, these genotypes express markedly higher branching under winter conditions than in spring sowings. Flowering Dynamics The timing and duration of flowering in faba bean differed between spring- and winter-sown trials, reflecting distinct environmental cues and genotype-by-season interactions. To avoid ambiguity, phenology is reported as days after sowing (DAS), with calendar day of year (DOY) in parentheses. Spring Season Flowering (Spring Year 1 & 2) In both spring trials (Spring Year 1 and Spring Year 2), flowering was observed to occur in a narrow temporal window. The sowing for these trials began on 1 February 2024 (DOY 32), and flowering commenced between late June and early July. The earliest onset of flowering (first flower visible) was recorded on 28 June 2024 (148 DAS; DOY 180), corresponding to 148 days after 1 February 2024. This was observed in varieties such as Allison, GL Emilia, Victus, and Futura. The latest half-plot flowering occurred on 4 July 2024 (154 DAS; DOY 186), notably in Lynx. Most accessions reached ≥ 50% flowering within 5–6 DAS, reflecting a high degree of synchrony among spring genotypes under similar thermal and photoperiodic conditions. The average flowering onset across all 18 genotypes was 149.5 ± 1.3 DAS (≈ DOY 181), and average half-plot flowering was 151.8 ± 1.7 DAS (≈ DOY 184), suggesting a relatively tight transition from individual flowering to community-level flowering within the plots. This flowering synchrony is likely influenced by the sharp rise in accumulated GDD during late spring and the uniform response of spring-adapted accessions. Varieties like Cartouche, Trumpet, and Macho showed consistent flowering responses across both spring seasons, highlighting their adaptability to the spring growing window in NW Europe. Winter Season Flowering (Winter Year 1 & 2) Year 1, the first visible flowers appeared on 17 April 2023 (198 DAS; DOY 107). Sequentially, flowering progressed to BBCH 63 by 24 April (205 DAS; DOY 114), full flowering (BBCH 65) by 8 May (219 DAS; DOY 128), and flowering decline initiated by 5 June (247 DAS; DOY 156). The end of flowering (BBCH 69) occurred on 12 June (254 DAS; DOY 163). This indicates a flowering phase spanning nearly 56–57 DAS from onset to completion, with considerable developmental progression under temperate conditions. In Winter Year 2, detailed flowering phenology data per accession were recorded. Varieties such as Curlew, Diva, Irena, Vincent, Norton, and Wizard exhibited complete flowering progression (BBCH 60–69). For example, Curlew reached BBCH 60 by mid-April, BBCH 65 by early May, and BBCH 69 by early to mid-June, spanning ~ 55–60 DAS from BBCH 60 to BBCH 69. Meanwhile, several accessions, including Allison, Jasmin, Fernando, and Magnolia, failed to flower or remained at vegetative stages (BBCH < 60), likely due to poor overwintering capacity, photoperiod sensitivity, or vernalization dependency. The average onset of flowering (BBCH 60) for winter varieties that did flower occurred around ~ 198–200 DAS (mid-April; ~DOY 107–109 in 2023), while full flowering (BBCH 65) was typically reached by ~ 218–220 DAS (early May; ~DOY 127–129). Varietal variation was notably higher in winter than in spring, reflecting the stronger influence of environmental interactions and genotype-specific developmental thresholds. Within this winter panel, we observed both relatively determinate genotypes, which completed flowering within roughly two weeks after reaching BBCH 65, and more indeterminate types that continued to initiate new flowers for several additional weeks while early pods were already filling, resulting in a markedly extended flowering period. This pattern is consistent with previous descriptions of faba bean growth habits, where varieties can range from semi-determinate to strongly indeterminate, with the latter type maintaining vegetative growth and flower initiation well into pod development (Patrick & Stoddard, 2010a ). Seasonal Comparison and Observations Flowering in spring-sown accessions was highly synchronous, with minimal variation among genotypes. The mean DAS to flowering onset was ~ 149, and ≥ 50% flowering was reached by ~ 151–154 DAS (approximately DOY 183–186 in 2024), spanning just 5–7 DAS. Conversely, winter-sown accessions displayed a broader phenological range, with flowering onset around ~ 198 DAS (mid-April; ~DOY 107) and extending through to ~ 254–255 DAS (mid-June; ~DOY 163–164). Several genotypes demonstrated delayed or failed flowering, emphasizing the importance of winter-hardiness and vernalization compatibility in breeding programs targeting winter sowing. Notably, Wizard, Curlew, Diva, Nebraska, and Niagara were among the most reliable winter-flowering accessions across both years. Thousand Kernel Weight (TKW) In Winter Year 1, the average TKW across 13 accessions was 735 g (± 159 g), with values ranging from 550.5 g (Nebraska) to 1008.5 g (Vincent). The high mean and wide variation suggest favourable growing conditions and extended grain filling periods, likely enhancing assimilate accumulation in seeds. Varieties such as Vincent, Wizard, and Trumpet exhibited particularly high TKWs, indicating strong sink strength and seed-filling potential. In Winter Year 2, the mean TKW declined to 571 g (± 78.4 g) across 20 accessions. TKW ranged from 445.8 g (Côte D’or) to 733 g (Vincent). Although reduced compared to the previous winter, these values still surpassed spring averages, confirming the general yield advantage of winter sowing. The smaller standard deviation suggests more uniform seed development under that season’s environmental conditions, albeit with slightly less favourable grain filling than in Winter Year 1. By contrast, Spring Year 1 accessions recorded a lower mean TKW of 519 g (± 66.7 g). The lightest seeds were observed in Trumpet (416.8 g), while the heaviest were in Yukon (686.2 g). The reduced TKW relative to winter seasons may be linked to shorter growing periods and increased exposure to terminal heat during seed development, common in spring sowings in NW Europe. The lowest TKW was observed in Spring Year 2, with a mean of 375 g (± 34.6 g) across 18 accessions. TKW values ranged from 311.7 g (Trumpet) to 446.7 g (Macho). This significant decline likely reflects harsher environmental conditions - such as drought or high temperatures, during flowering and pod filling stages, which can impair photosynthate production and translocation to developing seeds. Across all seasons, winter-sown accessions outperformed spring-sown ones in terms of seed weight, affirming the positive impact of longer growth duration, milder early development conditions, and extended grain filling periods. Varieties like Vincent, Wizard, and Vespa maintained high TKW across multiple seasons, while Trumpet and Tiffany consistently showed lower seed weights, particularly under spring sowing. Cold Shock Response in Faba Bean Cold-induced abiotic stress emerged as a prominent and recurring issue during winter-sown faba bean trials. Plants exposed to sudden drops in temperature, particularly during January and early February (Figure ii) exhibited visible physiological symptoms, including basal stem discoloration (ranging from light brown to black), wilting, and upward dieback from the root zone (Figure v (a)). These symptoms closely resembled those typically associated with fungal infections, leading to initial misdiagnoses in the field. No consistent microbial growth was observed under either treatment when incubated at 24°C, and microscopy revealed no pathogenic fungal structures (Figure v (a, c)), suggesting the symptoms were unlikely driven by fungal pathogens that grow under these conditions. Figure v (a) Representative samples showing early-stage and regenerated seedlings affected by cold shock. (b) Progressive stem discoloration associated with varying cold shock intensity, with darker pigmentation indicating more severe damage. (c) Diagnostic workflow for affected samples: tissue from symptomatic plant parts was collected, cleaned, and prepared for laboratory analysis. (d) Results of pathogen and cold shock assessment from Year 2 winter samples, indicating cold shock as the predominant cause of damage compared to Fusarium, Botrytis, Ascochyta , and other soil-borne pathogens. In Year 2 (2023–2024), the characteristic black stem discoloration reappeared in winter-sown faba bean plots (Figure v (b)), prompting a more extensive sampling effort to validate observations from the previous season. Symptomatic stem tissues were cultured on PDA under the same laboratory conditions used in Year 1. Laboratory screening revealed that the majority of cases were attributed to cold shock (63/84; 75.0%), which corresponded well with field observations of stem browning and blackening during episodes of sub-zero temperature (Figure v (d)). Among the biotic factors, Fusarium spp . and Ascochyta spp . were each detected in 7 samples (8.3%), while Botrytis spp was found in 4 samples (4.8%), and other soil-borne pathogens were detected in 3 samples (3.6%). Although pathogens were identified in a subset of samples, they were relatively minor compared to cold shock, which remained the predominant stress factor. It is also important to note that pathogen infection does not necessarily exclude cold damage, as multiple stresses may have acted simultaneously; however, samples were classified according to the laboratory finding, the samples with detected pathogen were microscopically examined further to detect pathotypes. As most samples showed no microbial growth, even after extended incubation for up to six weeks, suggesting the presence of dead or non-viable tissue and confirming the absence of active infection (Figure v (b)). In several samples, soil fauna (e.g., mites or saprophytic organisms) was detected, but no known faba bean pathogens were associated with these cases. Only a very small fraction of samples exhibited fungal growth attributable to known faba bean pathogens. Microscopic examination and colony morphology assessment (Figure v, vi) supported this conclusion. Most microbial colonies that did emerge were non-pathogenic, environmental contaminants or soil-associated organisms. Visual classification of samples (Figure vi (d)) confirmed that cold shock was the most frequently identified cause of stem damage, with pathogen-related causes such as Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. Fabae (Figure vi (a), S2), Botrytis fabae (Figure vi (a), S1), Ascochyta pinodella (Figure vi (a), S3), and in a small number of cultured samples, saprophytic soil-associated fungi were observed. These fungi, known to be soilborne symbionts rather than pathogens, appeared at very low frequency and were not associated with visible disease symptoms. Their presence is likely incidental, reflecting the natural microbial diversity of the rhizosphere rather than a causal relationship with the stem discoloration observed in the field (Gordon & Martyn, 1997 ; Smith & Read, 2010 ; Tadja et al., 2009 ; Zhang et al., 2010 ). Cold-shock events can nonetheless influence both host susceptibility and fungal behaviour, and some hyphae from non-culturable or strongly host-dependent species may remain in planta without producing outgrowth on PDA. Consequently, our culture-based approach primarily captures viable, pathogens; more sensitive PCR-based assays or metabarcoding would be needed to fully characterise latent or non-culturable infections and to explore cold–pathogen interactions in greater detail. Figure vi : Petri plate assay of faba bean cold shock samples. (a) Plates showing fungal growth from diseased samples, confirming the presence of specific pathogens: AS1 – Botrytis spp ., AS2 – Fusarium spp ., AS3 – Ascochyta pinodella , and AS4 – saprophytic soil-associated fungi. (b) Samples with no microbial growth, confirming that the observed damage was caused by cold shock rather than pathogenic infection. Taste Evaluation and Baking Test To assess the sensory suitability of faba bean varieties in breadmaking, a taste evaluation was conducted with particular attention to bitterness, which is commonly associated with tannin content. This sensory assessment aimed to identify bean varieties with reduced bitterness and acceptable sensory qualities for potential use in baking applications. Volume-to-Weight Ratio (V/G) The V/G ratio, an important indicator of loaf expansion and baking performance, varied notably among the evaluated faba bean accessions. The wheat control (Ref-Blanco) recorded the highest V/G ratio of 4.47 cm³·g⁻¹, serving as the benchmark for optimal loaf structure (Figure vii). Among the faba bean-based breads, several accessions demonstrated competitive expansion capacity, with Merlin exhibiting the highest V/G ratio (4.30 cm³·g⁻¹), followed closely by Fernando (4.25 cm³·g⁻¹), Taifur (4.23 cm³·g⁻¹), and Curlew (4.17 cm³·g⁻¹). These values indicate good gas retention and volume development, despite partial substitution of wheat with legume flour. Other high-performing accessions included GL Arabella, Adlon, Future, and Vincent, all exceeding a V/G ratio of 4.00 cm³·g⁻¹, which reflects a well-leavened and aerated loaf. In contrast, Cartouche had the lowest V/G ratio (3.70 cm³·g⁻¹), suggesting a denser, less voluminous structure, potentially due to poor dough elasticity or higher seed coat tannins impacting gluten network development. The observed variability in V/G ratios highlights the influence of genotype on baking behaviour and underscores the potential of specific faba bean accessions for functional food applications where volume and texture are critical quality parameters. Figure vii : Comparison of Volume-to-Weight Ratio (V/G) and Smell Ratings Across Faba Bean and Wheat Varieties: This bar chart illustrates the performance of various faba bean varieties and a wheat reference (Ref-Blanco) in two sensory-related baking quality traits: loaf volume-to-weight ratio (V/G) and smell rating. V/G (blue bars) reflects loaf expansion during baking, while smell (orange bars) is rated on a scale from 1 (pleasant) to 5 (unpleasant). Smell Assessment Smell evaluation, conducted by a trained sensory panel, revealed considerable variation across the 28 faba bean accessions and the wheat control (Figure vii). The reference wheat (Ref-Blanco) received the most favourable aroma score of 1 , reflecting a pleasant, neutral bread-like aroma. In contrast, several faba bean varieties such as Marias Bead, Vespa, and Cartouche were rated as 5 , indicating a distinctly unpleasant or beany odour often associated with high tannin content or residual volatile compounds from the legume matrix. Varieties including Honey, Fernando, and GL Arabella were scored as 4 , reflecting a less intense but still perceptible off note. Most accessions, such as Tundra, Vincent, Norton, and Futura, received intermediate scores of 3 , suggesting a neutral or mildly acceptable smell profile that may be further improved through formulation or processing adjustments. Notably, GL Magnolia was the only faba bean variety rated more favourable with a score of 2 , indicating low odour intensity and greater sensory appeal. This emphasizes the influence of varietal differences, particularly related to tannin content and seed composition, on aroma acceptability in bread products made with faba bean flour. Crumb Softness Crumb softness, a critical determinant of bread quality and consumer acceptability, was assessed using a texture analyser, where lower values denote softer, more desirable crumb structures. The results revealed substantial variation among the tested faba bean accessions, underscoring the influence of genotype on final bread texture. Contrary to expectations, the softest crumb was observed in Norton (2074 gf), followed by the wheat control Ref-Blanco (2149 gf) and Fernando (2216 gf), suggesting that these accessions produced loaves with superior internal tenderness. This is noteworthy given that Ref-Blanco, a 100% wheat bread, typically serves as the benchmark for optimal crumb characteristics. Several accessions, including Fuego (2624 gf), Vincent (2553 gf), and GL Alice (2535 gf), exhibited significantly firmer crumb textures, indicating denser and potentially drier internal structures. Figure viii Crumb softness (gf) of selected faba bean varieties and the wheat control (Ref-Blanco). These findings challenge the assumption that legume flour inclusion necessarily compromises crumb softness (Figure viii). In fact, the performance of Norton and Fernando suggests that certain faba bean genotypes may even enhance crumb structure when appropriately formulated. Conversely, higher crumb firmness observed in Fuego and Vincent may reflect suboptimal hydration properties or matrix interactions that reduce gas retention or elastic recovery. Intermediate performers such as Genius, Melenka, and GL Sunrise (ranging between 2400–2500 gf) maintained acceptable crumb textures but did not outperform the wheat control. These differences warrant further investigation into the biochemical and physical flour properties contributing to crumb structure, including protein–starch interactions, fibre content, and water absorption capacity. Comparative Performance and Promising Varieties Based on a combined evaluation of crumb softness, loaf volume, and aroma, the most promising faba bean accessions for partial wheat flour substitution in bread-making are Norton, Adlon, and Mistral. These varieties outperformed others in delivering soft internal textures, adequate loaf expansion, and acceptable sensory profiles. Varieties such as Tundra also showed strong potential due to their positive influence on loaf volume, even if slightly firmer in texture. Bumble, Future, and Melenka represent additional candidates with generally favorable performance across parameters. These findings underscore the potential of carefully selected faba bean genotypes to contribute to the development of nutritionally enriched, consumer-acceptable bread products, particularly in the context of sustainable and protein-rich plant-based diets. Nutritional and Anti-Nutritional Traits Detected by NIRS NIRS was used to quantify four key seed composition traits protein, vicine, convicine, and total vicine–convicine (VC) content. The dataset included a total of 343 seed samples, accounting for both spring and winter types, multiple environments, and replicates. All the measurements were performed on intact seeds, enabling rapid, non-destructive screening of seed quality. The analysis revealed substantial phenotypic variation for all traits, underscoring the genetic and physiological diversity within the collection. Protein content ranged from 20.2% to 37.0%, with a mean of 27.3% and standard deviation (SD) of 2.28%. Vicine content varied from 0.01% to 1.66% (mean = 0.62%, SD = 0.23%), while convicine ranged between 0.01% and 0.64% (mean = 0.26%, SD = 0.09%). Total VC content, calculated as the sum of vicine and convicine, also exhibited wide variability, ranging from 0.01% to 1.71%, with a mean of 0.90% and SD of 0.29%. The distributions of these traits are visualized in Figure ix, which highlights the continuous variation and presence of both low- and high-content genotypes for each compound. Protein content showed a near-normal distribution with a slight skew toward higher values. Vicine and convicine contents also displayed unimodal distributions, with a notable tail toward lower concentrations indicating the presence of low-VC genotypes in the panel. The diversity present in nutritional and anti-nutritional traits underscores the potential of this panel for breeding programs aimed at enhancing seed protein while minimizing vicine and convicine levels. These results offer a solid foundation for the selection of parental lines in quality-focused breeding strategies. The analysis was further classified based on growing season (spring and winter) and flower colour (coloured and white). Figure ix Distribution of NIRS-predicted trait values across 343 faba bean accessions for (top left) protein content (% dry weight), (top right) vicine content (% dry weight), (bottom left) convicine content (% dry weight), and (bottom right) total VC (vicine + convicine, % dry weight). All measurements were performed on intact seeds and expressed on a dry weight basis. Trait Variation by Growing Season and Flower Colour: To better understand the genetic and environmental influences on seed quality traits, all samples were systematically classified according to both growing season (spring and winter) and flower colour (coloured and white). This approach enabled the differentiation of trait expression not only across distinct environmental conditions, but also among genetic backgrounds associated with flower pigmentation. The comprehensive results for each group are summarized in Table ii. Trait-wise comparisons based on individual accessions and growing season are presented in Figure x. The ranked bar plots (Figure (x) a) illustrate the full distribution of protein, vicine, convicine, and total VC content across the panel, revealing broad phenotypic variation within the collection. Spring-grown accessions, which were more numerous, exhibited a wider spread of values for all traits and were disproportionately represented among both the highest- and lowest-ranking genotypes. This suggests a greater phenotypic diversity within the spring group, likely influenced by both genetic variability and environmental responsiveness. Raincloud plots (Figure (x) b) further elucidate seasonal differences in trait distributions. Mean protein content was slightly higher in spring accessions (27.32%) than in winter ones (26.99%). Conversely, the anti-nutritional traits vicine, convicine, and total VC exhibited marginally higher mean concentrations in winter-grown samples (0.64%, 0.27%, and 0.88%, respectively) compared to spring types (0.62%, 0.26%, and 0.90%). Despite these small differences, the density distributions for all traits overlapped considerably between seasons, indicating that environmental effects alone do not fully explain trait variability. Rather, substantial within-season variation suggests a significant role for genetic background. Figure x : Comparison of individual accession distributions and season-specific distribution for Protein and anti‐nutritional factors in faba bean accessions. (a) Pareto–style bar plots showing each accession’s content of Protein (%), Vicine (%), Convicine (%) and Total VC (%) sorted in descending order; Spring‐grown accessions are colored coral and Winter‐grown accessions turquoise. (b) Corresponding raincloud plots for each trait, with half-eye density estimates overlaying boxplots Winter in green (top) and Spring in blue (bottom) and black dots marking seasonal means. Each row represents one trait (from top: Protein, Vicine, Convicine, Total VC). Protein Content Protein content exhibited substantial variability across both growing seasons and flower colour, with values ranging from 20.2% to 37.0%. White-flowered genotypes demonstrated consistently higher mean protein concentrations than their coloured-flowered counterparts, regardless of the growing season. In the spring-sown group, white-flowered accessions averaged 28.5% protein compared to 26.5% in coloured-flowered accessions. This trend was also evident among winter types, with mean protein content of 28.6% for white-flowered lines and 26.5% for coloured-flowered lines. The minimum protein value (20.2%) was observed among spring-coloured genotypes, whereas the maximum value (37.0%) was also recorded in this group, highlighting the wide phenotypic spectrum present within the population. Assessment of protein content at the individual accession level revealed that the spring accession FAB 6774 exhibited the highest protein concentration across the entire collection. This was followed by the winter accessions Favino and MM3.2 (F4 line) developed in the Ghent University faba bean breeding program. Conversely, the accession Macho displayed the lowest protein content among all samples evaluated. Vicine Content Vicine content exhibited a clear pattern of variation associated with flower colour, with white-flowered genotypes displaying higher mean concentrations than their coloured-flowered counterparts in both spring (0.69% vs. 0.57%) and winter (0.79% vs. 0.60%) accessions. The overall vicine levels ranged from 0.01% to 1.66%, indicating substantial genetic variability within the panel. Given the anti-nutritional nature of vicine, accessions with low content are particularly valuable for breeding programs targeting improved food and feed quality. At the individual accession level, several winter types, namely Diva, Curlew, and Axel exhibited the lowest vicine concentrations. In contrast, the highest vicine levels were recorded in white-flowered winter lines developed at Ghent University, specifically M4, M3.2, and MM1.1, followed by Nebraska, a commonly cultivated variety in the region. Among spring-sown accessions, ten genotypes showed vicine concentrations below 0.1%, including Genius, Allison, Futura, and Melodie, the latter being the only white-flowered genotype within this low-vicine group. The highest spring accessions for vicine content included Eucleg_52, FAB_6774, and Eucleg_24. Table ii : Summary statistics for protein, vicine, convicine, and total vicine + convicine (VC) content were generated for 343 faba bean accessions based on NIRS analysis of intact seeds. The data were stratified by growing season (spring or winter type) and flower colour (white or coloured). Protein, Vicine, Convicine and total VC content was expressed as a percentage of seed dry weight. For each trait, the mean, standard deviation, minimum, and maximum values were reported within each subgroup, providing insight into the phenotypic variation present in the germplasm collection. Convicine Content Convicine content exhibited a distribution pattern like that of vicine, with concentrations ranging from 0.01% to 0.64% across all groups. White-flowered genotypes consistently showed higher average convicine levels than coloured-flowered types in both spring (0.30% vs. 0.23%) and winter (0.39% vs. 0.24%) accessions. Notably, several spring-coloured genotypes exhibited extremely low convicine levels, reaching as low as 0.01%, indicating strong potential for selecting low-convicine lines. Among the accessions with the highest convicine content was MM3.2, a white-flowered winter line developed within the Ghent University breeding program. This was followed by the gene bank accession FAB_6623 and the spring line GL Magnolia. In contrast, several spring accessions - Victus, Nakka, GL Emilia, Genius, and Futura, displayed nearly undetectable convicine concentrations. Likewise, the winter genotypes Diva, Curlew, and Axel were also among the lowest for this trait. Total VC Content Total VC content mirrored the patterns observed for its individual components, with white-flowered genotypes exhibiting higher mean concentrations than coloured-flowered types in both spring (1.06% vs. 0.80%) and winter (1.10% vs. 0.82%) accessions. Across the full panel, VC values ranged from 0.01% to 1.71%, highlighting considerable genetic variation within the collection. Based on these results, vicine appears to be the primary contributor to total VC content, whereas convicine was consistently present at lower concentrations. The accessions with the highest VC levels were primarily spring types, including UGENT_847, Eucleg_24, and Nanaux. High VC content was also recorded in the winter accession MM3.2 and in Nebraska, a widely cultivated white-flowered variety. These accessions represent genotypes with elevated levels of anti-nutritional factors and may require careful consideration in breeding pipelines targeting food and feed applications. Conversely, the lowest VC concentrations—many below 0.1%—were observed in accessions such as Curlew, Futura, Allison, Victus, and Melodie. Among winter types, Curlew, Axel, and Diva ranked among the lowest in VC content. These genotypes, particularly those combining low VC levels with agronomically desirable traits, offer promising candidates for the development of low-VC faba bean cultivars. Trait Interactions and Flower Colour Figure xi illustrates the relationships between key nutritional and anti-nutritional traits - vicine, convicine, total VC, and protein content across the full faba bean germplasm panel, with flower colour coded to distinguish white- and coloured-flowered accessions. In panel a (Figure (xi) a), vicine is plotted against convicine, showing a strong, positive linear correlation across all accessions. This association confirms that the two anti-nutritional alkaloids are closely co-regulated, which is consistent with prior biochemical evidence that vicine and convicine are synthesized through a shared biosynthetic pathway. This relationship holds across flower types, although white-flowered genotypes (in blue) are predominantly concentrated in the upper portion of the plot, reflecting consistently higher levels of both vicine and convicine. In contrast, coloured-flowered genotypes (in gold) are primarily distributed along the lower end of the spectrum, suggesting that low-VC phenotypes are largely associated with pigmented flowers. The concentration of white-flowered types in the high-VC region is noteworthy from a breeding perspective. While white-flowered lines are often preferred due to their low tannin content and associated benefits for palatability and protein digestibility, this trend suggests a trade-off: many of these genotypes may accumulate higher levels of anti-nutritional pyrimidine glycosides. This creates a challenge for breeding programs aiming to combine the consumer-friendly traits of white flowers with reduced vicine–convicine content, particularly because of the tight coupling of these two compounds. Figure xi : (a) Vicine vs. Convicine content (%) across our faba bean germplasm, with colored-flowered types in gold and white‐flowered types in blue highlighting a tight positive relationship that breeders must navigate when selecting for low levels of both anti‐nutritional compounds. (b) Total VC (vicine + convicine) plotted against protein content (%) in the same set of accessions, showing the range of variation available for breeding: while some lines combine high protein with low VC, others trade off one trait for the other, illustrating the germplasm space breeders can exploit when developing high‐protein, low‐VC varieties. Panel b (Figure (xi) b) explores the relationship between total VC content and protein concentration, two key targets in faba bean quality breeding. The distribution is far more diffuse compared to panel a (Figure (xi) a), with no clear linear correlation between the two traits. Instead, the data reveal a wide range of combinations, indicating that high protein and low VC content are not mutually exclusive. Importantly, a subset of accessions appears in the desirable quadrant, high protein (> 30%) and low VC (< 0.8%), demonstrating that these breeding goals can be achieved concurrently. This subset represents particularly valuable genetic material for breeding programs focused on developing food-safe, high-protein cultivars. Additionally, the highest protein values are largely contributed by a few white-flowered accessions, while coloured-flowered lines tend to cluster around moderate protein levels and lower VC. This pattern suggests that selection within coloured-flowered germplasm may more reliably yield low-VC lines, though potentially at the expense of maximum protein gain. Conversely, white-flowered lines may offer opportunities for high protein but require additional effort to decouple this trait from high VC content. Figure (xi) a shows that white-flowered genotypes (blue points) generally exhibit higher vicine and convicine than coloured-flowered ones (gold points), although considerable overlap exists. Most genotypes cluster between 0.2–0.5% convicine and 0.5–1.2% vicine, with a few outliers beyond these ranges. The strong positive vicine–convicine correlation indicates that selection on either trait will indirectly shift the other, consistent with shared biosynthetic control. Practically, this suggests using a multi-trait objective (e.g., an index on total VC or a weighted sum) to reduce overall anti-nutritional load efficiently, while recognizing pathway constraints. At the same time, the weak correlation between protein and VC supports the feasibility of simultaneous improvement, increasing protein while lowering VC particularly when selection accounts for flower-colour trends and germplasm structure. Discussion Developmental Patterns: Winter vs. Spring Varieties The developmental differences between winter and spring-sown faba bean varieties reflect the influence of temperature and photoperiod on growth and phenology. Winter-sown varieties showed earlier branching and rosette like growing pattern, likely as an adaptive response to low temperatures favouring structural development over early reproduction (Link et al., 2010 ; Stoddard et al., 2006 ). In contrast, spring-sown varieties exhibited a shorter vegetative phase before flowering, consistent with thermal time requirements for floral induction in legumes (Flores et al., 2013 ). Early branching in winter varieties may enhance biomass accumulation and contribute to yield stability under cool conditions (Jensen et al., 2010 ), though this advantage may be limited by sensitivity to frost during early growth (Sallam et al., 2015b ). Nonetheless, several genotypes showed stable architectural traits across seasons, suggesting a degree of developmental plasticity and response to environmental variability. These observations suggest that traits such as early vigour, height stability, and branching consistency may serve as important selection criteria for breeding cultivars with robust performance across diverse sowing windows (Khazaei et al., 2019 , 2021 ; Link et al., 2010 ; Sallam et al., 2016 , 2016 ). Reproductive development in faba bean was highly influenced by environmental conditions, particularly cumulative temperature and daylength. Spring-sown genotypes flowered earlier and more synchronously, reaching 50% flowering within a narrow time window. This tight phenological clustering suggests a well-coordinated response to spring growing conditions and supports earlier findings on thermal-time-dependent flowering control (Flores et al., 2013 ; Summerfield et al., 1991 ). In contrast, winter-sown genotypes exhibited wider variability in flowering time, with some accessions failing to flower due to insufficient vernalization or overwintering damage. This underscores the complexity of genotype × environment interactions in regulating flowering, and highlights the value of stable-flowering genotypes such as Côte d'Or, Curlew, Diva, and Wizard, which performed consistently across both seasons (Arbaoui & Link, 2008 ). In temperate legumes, flowering time is largely controlled by photoperiod and vernalization pathways centred on FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT)/ TFL1 family genes and SOC1-like MADS-box integrators (Weller & Ortega, 2015 ). In faba bean, QTL and candidate-gene studies point to FT- and SOC1-containing regions as major regulators of flowering and winter adaptation, so the contrasting behaviour of winter-sown accessions in our trials is likely driven by allelic differences at these flowering-time loci (Aguilar-Benitez et al., 2021 ; Khazaei et al., 2021 ). In terms of environmental cues, faba bean is generally regarded as a long-day species: most spring and winter cultivars require day lengths of roughly 14 h or longer to strongly promote the transition to flowering, even though genotypes with reduced photoperiod sensitivity also exist (Catt & Paull, 2017 ; Norouzi & Vazin, 2011 ). Thermal time remains the main driver of progress towards flowering, but winter genotypes additionally express a vernalisation requirement that is typically fulfilled by about 30 days of exposure to low temperatures in autumn–winter (Cao et al., 2017 ; Link et al., 2010 ; Link & Bond, 2011 ; Yuan et al., 2021 ). Although unvernalised winter types sown in spring can still flower once day length is sufficiently long, flowering is delayed and poorly adapted to the growing season, underscoring the importance of matching vernalisation requirement and photoperiod sensitivity to the target sowing window (Ellis et al., 1988 ; Karkanis et al., 2018b ). Yield-related observations, though constrained by partial survival in winter trials, revealed informative trends in seed development. TKW was generally higher in winter-grown plants, likely due to longer grain-filling periods under cooler conditions, which promote assimilate accumulation and seed maturation(Alharbi & Adhikari, 2020 ; Farooq et al., 2017 ; Loss & Siddique, 1994 ; Patrick & Stoddard, 2010b ). Spring genotypes exhibited faster growth and reproductive development, often resulting in slightly reduced TKW due to shortened grain-filling windows. Despite this, certain lines maintained stable TKW across environments, suggesting potential for breeding climate-resilient cultivars. However, due to the inability to assess additional yield components such as pods per plant or seed number, further multi-environment trials are needed to comprehensively evaluate yield stability and resource-use efficiency under variable field conditions. Cold Stress as a Constraint in Faba Bean Cultivation The observed cold shock injury, characterized by stem discoloration, wilting, and dieback in winter-sown faba bean, is consistent with previous research highlighting the species’ sensitivity to abrupt temperature drops during early developmental stages. Previous studies have explored the physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying cold tolerance in faba bean. For instance, Link et al., 2010 provided a comprehensive overview of winter hardiness in faba bean, emphasizing physiological traits such as membrane stability, carbohydrate accumulation, and developmental timing as key contributors to cold tolerance. At the molecular level, (Lyu et al., 2021 ) employed long-read isoform sequencing to characterize cold-responsive genes in faba bean, identifying regulatory networks involved in cold signalling, antioxidative defence, and membrane stabilization. Their findings offer valuable insights into the transcriptional landscape associated with freezing tolerance and support the use of transcriptomic data for marker-assisted selection. Despite these advances, the available literature lacks detailed in-field documentation of cold stress manifestations under natural agroecological conditions. This study addresses this gap by providing empirical evidence of cold shock injury under field conditions in NW Europe, where erratic thermal fluctuations and saturated soils are common during winter. The observed symptoms were non-pathogenic, as confirmed by microbiological assays and microscopy, and their incidence was strongly correlated with episodes of sudden temperature decline and high soil moisture. These findings are consistent with previous studies that describe cold stress in legumes as a function of mechanical and metabolic disruptions caused by freezing temperatures. Ice crystal formation within plant tissues is known to rupture cell membranes and trigger dehydration, while sudden temperature drops, especially when preceded by precipitation can exacerbate damage through enhanced heat loss, surface ice formation, and root hypoxia due to waterlogging (Ambroise et al., 2020 ; Pampana et al., 2016 ; Pociecha et al., 2008 ). These observations are consistent with concerns raised by Link et al. ( 2010 ) in their review on winter hardiness in faba bean. They noted that under waterlogged conditions plants may lose turgor, develop water-soaked stems, and eventually blacken, with cold stress often being intensified by excess soil moisture that compromises water relations and increases susceptibility to freezing. However, while this issue was highlighted conceptually, no prior publications have documented its manifestation under field conditions. The present study provides the first field-based evidence of cold shock symptoms across two consecutive seasons, thereby addressing this gap. Nevertheless, further multi-location and multi-year trials are required to assess genotype-specific responses and confirm the consistency of these patterns across diverse environments. Despite the ability of faba bean to undergo natural cold acclimation over autumn and early winter, the erratic temperature fluctuations typical of the region appear to surpass the acclimation capacity of many genotypes. Cold-induced stress in the present study was particularly pronounced when freezing events coincided with saturated soils and low solar radiation. These conditions likely impaired root respiration and nutrient transport, further compromising plant vigour and survival. At the physiological level, cold stress induces the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to oxidative damage of cellular components such as lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids (Dasgupta et al., 2025 ; Dreyer & Dietz, 2018 ; Manasa S et al., 2022 ; Sallam et al., 2015a ). The symptoms observed—browning, tissue collapse, and growth arrest—are consistent with such oxidative injuries. The absence of pathogenic growth in culture analyses further supports a non-biotic origin of the damage (Arbaoui & Link, 2008 ; Link et al., 2010 ). Significant genotypic variation was observed in the severity of cold damage, reflecting differential physiological tolerance. Some lines appeared more capable of sustaining growth under cold stress, likely due to enhanced antioxidative capacity, cryoprotectant accumulation, or structural resilience. Previous studies have shown that frost tolerance in faba bean is a polygenic trait, with high heritability and large additive effects (Duc & Petitjean, 1995 ; Lyu et al., 2021 ; Sallam et al., 2016 ). Controlled freezing tests on hardened winter faba bean have indicated that the most tolerant cultivars (e.g. ‘Côte d’Or’, ‘Hiverna’) can survive repeated exposures to approximately − 12 to − 16°C, whereas more susceptible genotypes show severe injury or death already around − 8 to − 10°C, especially in the absence of snow cover (Arbaoui et al., 2008 ; Inci & Toker, 2011 ; Link et al., 2010 ). Thus, − 10°C can be considered a severe but still survivable stress for the most winter-hardy lines, while it is close to or beyond the damage threshold for sensitive material, consistent with the contrasting cold responses observed in our panel. Syntenic QTLs related to frost tolerance have also been identified between Vicia faba, Pisum sativum , and Medicago truncatula (Ali et al., 2016 ; Lyu et al., 2021 ; Tayeh et al., 2013 ), highlighting the possibility of leveraging comparative genomics in breeding. Nutritional Quality and Consumer Acceptance Faba bean is recognized for its high protein content and favourable digestibility, making it a promising candidate for sustainable plant-based diets. In this study, seed protein content across diverse genotypes ranged from 20.2% to 37.0%, indicating substantial genetic variation. Notably, white-flowered genotypes consistently exhibited higher mean protein levels than pigmented-flowered types, supporting previous findings on the genetic linkage between flower colour, tannin content, and nutritional traits (Duc et al., 2010 ; Khazaei & Vandenberg, 2020 ). In addition to protein concentration, protein digestibility ranging from 57.6% to 87.4% is normally high. This reinforces previous evidence that faba bean protein is bioavailable and nutritionally valuable (Multari et al., 2015 ), supporting its role in fortifying plant-based diets (Augustin & Cole, 2022 ). However, protein concentration and digestibility must be balanced with other factors such as sensory properties and anti-nutritional content to ensure overall consumer acceptability. Despite its nutritional value, the presence of ANFs, notably VC limits the safe consumption of faba bean, particularly among G6PD-deficient individuals. In our study, VC levels varied widely (vicine: 0.01–1.66%, convicine: 0.01–0.64%), confirming the presence of naturally low-VC genotypes within the germplasm. Interestingly, white-flowered genotypes despite their high protein levels, tended to accumulate higher VC content, underscoring the complexity of simultaneously selecting for nutritional and food safety traits (Bishnoi et al., 1994 ; Khazaei et al., 2019 ; Ohm et al., 2024 ). In addition, significant variation in bitterness was observed during sensory testing, which is likely linked to polyphenol and tannin levels. Although tannins were not quantified here, prior studies have associated phenolic compounds with off-flavours in faba bean (Crépon et al., 2010 ; Hans et al., 2022 ; Karolkowski et al., 2022 ; Lippolis et al., 2023 ). As such, reducing bitterness without compromising nutritional quality presents a key breeding challenge. Complementary post-harvest interventions such as soaking, fermentation, and enzymatic treatments may further mitigate these sensory barriers (Hans et al., 2022 ; Lippolis et al., 2023 ). To facilitate trait screening for both nutritional and anti-nutritional profiles, we harnessed NIRS, which enabled rapid, non-destructive phenotyping across a large sample set. This method supports the integration of high-throughput digital tools into breeding programs targeting both protein quality and reduced ANFs. Functional and Sensory Qualities Baking trials in this study revealed that selected faba bean genotypes possess favourable functional properties, including high volume-to-weight ratios, improved crumb softness, and acceptable aroma profiles, thereby supporting their use in composite flour applications. These findings align with previous research demonstrating the potential of faba bean flour as a partial substitute for wheat in baked products (Maravić et al., 2024 ). Nevertheless, the observed genotype-dependent variation in baking performance underscores the need for targeted breeding strategies focused on functional traits. To further optimize faba bean for food use, future research should investigate starch–protein interactions in faba bean–wheat blends (Johansson et al., 2022 ; Li et al., 2022 ) the role of hydrocolloids and emulsifiers in enhancing dough stability and crumb structure (Augustin & Cole, 2022 ), and consumer preferences related to taste and texture (Vekeman & Reheul, D., & Van Bockstaele, F, 2020). Collectively, these results indicate that while faba bean holds substantial promise as a protein-rich ingredient for human diets, its successful integration into food systems will require simultaneous attention to biochemical composition and sensory quality. Integrated Breeding Priorities for Climate-Adapted and Consumer-Accepted Faba Bean The diverse phenotypic responses observed in this study ranging from variable cold stress tolerance and protein content to differences in bitterness and baking performance underscore the need for targeted, multi-trait breeding strategies in faba bean. Key breeding objectives in this crop include improved adaptation to abiotic stress and enhanced seed quality through the reduction of major antinutritional factors and improvement of functional properties (Khazaei et al., 2021 ). For seed safety and nutritional quality, vicine–convicine ( VC ) is a central target. The VC trait is controlled by a major locus with wild-type ( VC ⁺) and low-vicine ( vc⁻ ) alleles, and several molecular markers are now available for marker-assisted selection of low-VC lines. Early work developed CAPS and SCAR markers tightly linked to the vc⁻ allele, enabling efficient tracking of low-VC in breeding populations (Gutierrez et al., 2006 ). More recently, flanking SNP markers and breeder-friendly assays for the VC locus have been reported (Khazaei et al., 2015), and the causal gene VC1 encoding a GTP cyclohydrolase II involved in vicine–convicine biosynthesis has been identified, with low-VC cultivars carrying loss-of-function alleles (Björnsdotter et al., 2021 ; Khazaei et al., 2019 ; Tacke et al., 2022 ). Together, these markers now permit routine marker-assisted selection for low VC content in elite material. Seed coat tannins and associated bitterness form a second major quality constraint, particularly for monogastric nutrition and human food uses. The zero-tannin phenotype is governed by two complementary recessive loci, zt1 and zt2 , which disrupt the anthocyanin and condensed tannin pathway (Zanotto et al., 2020 ). Diagnostic markers have been developed for VfTTG1 (controlling zt1 ) and for the bHLH transcription factor VfTT8 (underlying zt2 ), providing functional and allele-specific markers to distinguish zero-tannin from tannin-containing genotypes and to facilitate their deployment in breeding programmes (Gutierrez et al., 2007 , 2020 ; Gutierrez & Torres, 2019 ). These marker systems directly address the bitterness and phenolic-related traits highlighted by the sensory and flour characterisation in this study and are already being used to produce commercial zero-tannin cultivars (Lippolis et al., 2023 ). Climate adaptation, particularly winter survival and frost tolerance, is another critical breeding priority for north-western Europe. QTL mapping and GWAS in winter faba bean have identified genomic regions associated with frost tolerance and winter hardiness, along with linked markers that are suitable for marker-assisted selection (Carrillo-Perdomo et al., 2022 ; Sallam et al., 2016 ). These studies demonstrate that genetic variation for cold tolerance can be captured and exploited through molecular breeding, complementing physiological and field-based screening. Beyond individual loci, recent genome-wide association and genomic prediction studies have begun to dissect yield-related traits, stress responses and seed quality attributes, including protein content and off-flavours. GWAS on diverse faba bean panels have identified SNPs associated with pod and seed number, seed weight and plot yield, opening opportunities for genomic selection for yield and yield stability (Gutierrez et al., 2024 ; Lippolis, Gezan, et al., 2025 ). In parallel, GWAS for off-flavours and protein content has revealed candidate genes and marker–trait associations relevant to sensory quality and nutritional value (Lippolis, Hollebrands, et al., 2025 ), and recent reviews emphasise the need to treat off-flavour and seed phenolics as explicit breeding targets (Lippolis et al., 2023 ). Although the present work did not include genotyping of the evaluated panel, the phenotypic variation in cold response, protein content, bitterness, off-flavour and baking performance characterised here can be aligned with these existing marker resources in breeding populations. In practice, integrated breeding for climate-adapted and consumer-accepted faba bean in north-western Europe will combine (i) digital and physiological phenotyping for winter performance and functional quality, (ii) sensory evaluation to capture consumer-relevant attributes and (iii) marker-assisted and genomic selection based on loci controlling vicine–convicine, tannins, frost tolerance, yield and seed quality (Khazaei et al., 2021 ). Coordinated selection across these components is essential to unlock faba bean’s full potential as a climate-resilient, nutritionally valuable and widely accepted crop in sustainable European food systems. Conclusion and Future Directions This study reinforces the potential of faba bean as a sustainable, protein-rich crop for human consumption. Across two growing seasons, we demonstrated substantial genotypic variation in agronomic traits, protein content, anti-nutritional factors and baking quality. While faba bean offers high protein digestibility and functional benefits in food applications, adoption remains limited by cold stress sensitivity, bitterness, and inconsistent processing traits. Importantly, our results highlight that breeding for cold tolerance, reduced anti-nutritional factors, and improved flavour is essential to enhance consumer acceptance and field performance. The use of non-destructive phenotyping tools such as NIRS offers a scalable solution for trait screening in breeding programs. These findings directly support the EU Farm to Fork strategy, which promotes nutritious, climate-resilient crops to build healthier and more sustainable food systems. While this study provides a foundational understanding of trait diversity and cold response in faba bean under field conditions, further research is needed particularly on the genetic basis of cold adaptation, flavour modulation, and processing functionality to unlock the full value of this underutilized yet highly promising legume. Declarations Author Contribution S.M. and G.H. designed and coordinated the study, acquired funding and resources, and supervised the research. R.D. conducted the experiments, carried out the research, curated the data, performed the analyses, and wrote the original draft. A.Z. contributed to the chemical analyses and interpretation of compositional data. J.V. supported field phenotyping and data collection. E.D.K. contributed to the breadmaking experiments and loaf quality assessment. R.Z., K.D., S.L., G.V., and C.H. contributed to manuscript review and revision. All authors read and approved the final manuscript. 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The development of simple models for fluctuating field environments. Experimental Agriculture , 27 (1), 11–31. Tacke, R., Ecke, W., Höfer, M., Sass, O., & Link, W. (2022). Fine-mapping of the major locus for vicine and convicine in faba bean (Vicia faba) and marker‐assisted breeding of a novel, low vicine and convicine winter faba bean population. Plant Breeding , 141 (5), 644–657. Tadja, A., Benkada, M. Y., Rickauer, M., Bendahmane, B., & Benkhelifa, M. (2009). Characterization of Ascochyta as pathological species of pea (Pisum sativum L.) at the north-west of Algeria . Tayeh, N., Bahrman, N., Sellier, H., Bluteau, A., Blassiau, C., Fourment, J., Bellec, A., Debellé, F., Lejeune-Hénaut, I., & Delbreil, B. (2013). A tandem array of CBF/DREB1 genes is located in a major freezing tolerance QTL region on Medicago truncatula chromosome 6. BMC Genomics , 14 (1), 814. Tuccillo, F., Kantanen, K., Wang, Y., Diaz, J. M. R., Pulkkinen, M., Edelmann, M., Knaapila, A., Jouppila, K., Piironen, V., & Lampi, A.-M. (2022). The flavor of faba bean ingredients and extrudates: Chemical and sensory properties. Food Research International , 162 , 112036. Vekeman, F., & Reheul, D., & Van Bockstaele, F. (2020). Vekeman, F.,. (2020). Potential of Faba Beans (Vicia faba L.) for Human Consumption (Doctoral dissertation, Universiteit Gent). Weller, J. L., & Ortega, R. (2015). Genetic control of flowering time in legumes. Frontiers in Plant Science , 6 , 207. Yuan, X., Wang, Q., Yan, B., Zhang, J., Xue, C., Chen, J., Lin, Y., Zhang, X., Shen, W., & Chen, X. (2021). Single-molecule real-time and Illumina-based RNA sequencing data identified vernalization-responsive candidate genes in faba bean (Vicia faba L.). Frontiers in Genetics , 12 , 656137. Zanotto, S., Khazaei, H., Elessawy, F. M., Vandenberg, A., & Purves, R. W. (2020). Do faba bean genotypes carrying different zero-tannin genes (zt1 and zt2) differ in phenolic profiles? Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry , 68 (28), 7530–7540. Zhang, J., Wu, M.-D., Li, G.-Q., Yang, L., Yu, L., Jiang, D.-H., Huang, H.-C., & Zhuang, W.-Y. (2010). Botrytis fabiopsis, a new species causing chocolate spot of broad bean in central China. Mycologia , 102 (5), 1114–1126. Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. Supplementary Files supplementarymanuscriptvicia.docx Cite Share Download PDF Status: Under Revision Version 1 posted Editorial decision: Revision requested 09 Mar, 2026 Reviews received at journal 21 Feb, 2026 Reviews received at journal 07 Feb, 2026 Reviews received at journal 27 Jan, 2026 Reviewers agreed at journal 23 Jan, 2026 Reviewers agreed at journal 23 Jan, 2026 Reviewers agreed at journal 23 Jan, 2026 Reviewers invited by journal 23 Jan, 2026 Editor assigned by journal 22 Jan, 2026 Submission checks completed at journal 22 Jan, 2026 First submitted to journal 20 Jan, 2026 You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. 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Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-8647547","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":580975550,"identity":"2739736b-d685-490d-8356-5d1e577cc927","order_by":0,"name":"Reena Dubey","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Ghent University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Reena","middleName":"","lastName":"Dubey","suffix":""},{"id":580975552,"identity":"402e4d3b-e73e-49bd-ac9d-c5d4b6528d68","order_by":1,"name":"Anne Zaar","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Julius Kühn-Institut","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Anne","middleName":"","lastName":"Zaar","suffix":""},{"id":580975554,"identity":"dd05b353-31b7-436c-83d5-72c414dd1683","order_by":2,"name":"Riccardo Zustovi","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Ghent University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Riccardo","middleName":"","lastName":"Zustovi","suffix":""},{"id":580975556,"identity":"59a1bdea-dc57-4ab8-a85f-76373393191b","order_by":3,"name":"Sofie Land","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Ghent University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Sofie","middleName":"","lastName":"Land","suffix":""},{"id":580975557,"identity":"206346cc-dc60-4b6c-8466-d68981c51fdd","order_by":4,"name":"Kevin Dewitte","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Ghent University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Kevin","middleName":"","lastName":"Dewitte","suffix":""},{"id":580975558,"identity":"ca9e289e-6397-4719-bf6e-7b22525beaf2","order_by":5,"name":"Greet Verlinden","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Ghent University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Greet","middleName":"","lastName":"Verlinden","suffix":""},{"id":580975559,"identity":"fec2733b-28a2-4e5a-b013-174254fd9334","order_by":6,"name":"Geert Haesaert","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Ghent University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Geert","middleName":"","lastName":"Haesaert","suffix":""},{"id":580975560,"identity":"f8f51e14-dbb1-4066-965d-75b550c8e140","order_by":7,"name":"Steven Maenhout","email":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAZAAAAAyAQMAAABI0h/eAAAABlBMVEX///8AAABVwtN+AAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAABDklEQVRIie3QMUsDMRTA8VeEuFzpmiLcfYUcgUx+mMtyt9zhIEi3Fgpxsbj2Fv0K5+YYOEiX0DlDwUrhpg4tgiAo2NzpJGlXh/yXl+XH4wXA5/uHRZNu8sNE9hGShbRTOglR3bz+IYQSnVhwhKBujn8JrwycINFU4f0zFPe3M7Xei8+sMmdqs4NV6LxFoHRYaijmepnFpSBFZVBGJDTUuUYFlPYFFBOTs4t+S7YMS6jthzjI4I1+CeCPL9uWZMRcvVsydpOgt+kdSGWCliTE5MiSxHm+SuPXmcD8SedsOF/SuLxLGdakiV1bomm9lh/ikj8sNMO7mzAanNcNHo1WkfP8Lvxn+wng8/l8vqN9A5DHYuMrb7smAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC","orcid":"","institution":"Ghent University","correspondingAuthor":true,"prefix":"","firstName":"Steven","middleName":"","lastName":"Maenhout","suffix":""},{"id":580975561,"identity":"0521851a-d51e-461c-98d7-04a79c0e69a2","order_by":8,"name":"Catherine Howarth","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Aberystwyth University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Catherine","middleName":"","lastName":"Howarth","suffix":""},{"id":580975562,"identity":"6da45209-b250-4e28-9198-7e4b56e469e6","order_by":9,"name":"Elke De Kegal","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Paniflower.NV","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Elke","middleName":"","lastName":"De Kegal","suffix":""},{"id":580975563,"identity":"69472278-51e9-4042-a2a7-6959ce0fde57","order_by":10,"name":"Jasper Vlerick","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Ghent University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Jasper","middleName":"","lastName":"Vlerick","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2026-01-20 09:55:21","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":"","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-8647547/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-8647547/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":101754461,"identity":"66d564dc-5a80-4e16-9b77-f91b8c3df862","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-02-03 10:42:33","extension":"png","order_by":1,"title":"Figure 1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":831461,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eAerial (UAV) image of the Year 2 spring season field trial, showing early vegetative growth of faba bean genotypes arranged in a randomized complete block design. The trial consists of 1 × 1 m² miniplots with 3 replications, each representing an individual genotype.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"1.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8647547/v1/b8c807edd92e737721ced7bc.png"},{"id":101727862,"identity":"f03d82f6-934e-40ae-b22c-6146d2738564","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-02-03 05:14:41","extension":"png","order_by":2,"title":"Figure 2","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":373817,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eDaily temperature and rainfall trends during the growing seasons of faba bean in the field experiment. The orange ribbon indicates the daily minimum to maximum air temperature (°C), and the red line represents the daily average temperature. Blue bars depict daily rainfall (mm). Each panel corresponds to a specific season and year: Winter Year 1 (Oct 2022–Jul 2023), Winter Year 2 (Oct 2023–Jul 2024), Spring Year 1 (Feb–Aug 2023), and Spring Year 2 (Feb–Aug 2024).\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"2.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8647547/v1/1667cde5fe7e147f86651a9f.png"},{"id":101727851,"identity":"63910524-5d11-4e63-b242-e3009a765999","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-02-03 05:14:39","extension":"png","order_by":3,"title":"Figure 3","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":235819,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eGrowth response of 32 faba bean varieties to accumulated Growing Degree Days (GDD) across four seasonal environments. Plant height (cm) is plotted against cumulative GDD (°C-days) from sowing to maturity for each variety, under two winter (2022–2023, 2023–2024) and two spring (2023, 2024) seasons. Each line represents seasonal growth dynamics, color-coded by season.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"3.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8647547/v1/3db5874ea4e29f4a1b050d96.png"},{"id":101753358,"identity":"6feff939-31cb-485c-97cf-eb09662ea662","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-02-03 10:39:51","extension":"png","order_by":4,"title":"Figure 4","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":545654,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eContrasting growth habits of winter and spring faba bean genotypes. Left: A winter-sown variety (Côte D'or) exhibiting compact growth with multiple basal branches and short internodes, characteristic of vegetative development prior to floral initiation. Right: A spring-sown variety (Allison) displaying an elongated stem with no branching, typical of rapid vertical growth preceding reproductive development. Winter genotypes tend to maintain a compact form until the floral primordia stage, after which internodal elongation occurs. In contrast, spring genotypes undergo early stem elongation before initiating flowering.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"4.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8647547/v1/8acce599c4f7c985ac85bee9.png"},{"id":101727853,"identity":"ef84c8c4-b69e-4437-9039-be9baa94b565","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-02-03 05:14:39","extension":"png","order_by":5,"title":"Figure 5","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":262715,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e(a) Representative samples showing early-stage and regenerated seedlings affected by cold shock.\u003cbr\u003e\n(b) Progressive stem discoloration associated with varying cold shock intensity, with darker pigmentation indicating more severe damage. (c) Diagnostic workflow for affected samples: tissue from symptomatic plant parts was collected, cleaned, and prepared for laboratory analysis. (d) Results of pathogen and cold shock assessment from Year 2 winter samples, indicating cold shock as the predominant cause of damage compared to \u003cem\u003eFusarium, Botrytis, Ascochyta\u003c/em\u003e, and other soil-borne pathogens.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"5.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8647547/v1/8ad4a771d905682ce30e5d98.png"},{"id":101753913,"identity":"c6249159-c799-4b03-90b3-f8ed12559005","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-02-03 10:41:10","extension":"png","order_by":6,"title":"Figure 6","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":769397,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003ePetri plate assay of faba bean cold shock samples. (a) Plates showing fungal growth from diseased samples, confirming the presence of specific pathogens: AS1 – \u003cem\u003eBotrytis spp\u003c/em\u003e., AS2 – \u003cem\u003eFusarium spp\u003c/em\u003e., AS3 – \u003cem\u003eAscochyta pinodella,\u003c/em\u003e and AS4 – saprophytic soil-associated fungi. (b) Samples with no microbial growth, confirming that the observed damage was caused by cold shock rather than pathogenic infection.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"6.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8647547/v1/1bd2210c8ff2b3b3b1c4548c.png"},{"id":101727854,"identity":"bee2ccd6-5cd4-4f54-a5b0-0676c053f0b4","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-02-03 05:14:39","extension":"png","order_by":7,"title":"Figure 7","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":71063,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eComparison of Volume-to-Weight Ratio (V/G) and Smell Ratings Across Faba Bean and Wheat Varieties: This bar chart illustrates the performance of various faba bean varieties and a wheat reference (Ref-Blanco) in two sensory-related baking quality traits: loaf volume-to-weight ratio (V/G) and smell rating. V/G (blue bars) reflects loaf expansion during baking, while smell (orange bars) is rated on a scale from 1 (pleasant) to 5 (unpleasant).\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"7.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8647547/v1/66600e6d5f996656bcde7645.png"},{"id":101753925,"identity":"efb31a8f-5545-40a4-bed8-932d0fb40683","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-02-03 10:41:12","extension":"png","order_by":8,"title":"Figure 8","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":66777,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eCrumb softness (gf) of selected faba bean varieties and the wheat control (Ref-Blanco).\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"8.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8647547/v1/4ab99f9037868fe7bdcb97de.png"},{"id":101727859,"identity":"16b3154e-0b6f-48d3-bdea-1e2e45bcaddb","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-02-03 05:14:40","extension":"png","order_by":9,"title":"Figure 9","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":65604,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eDistribution of NIRS-predicted trait values across 343 faba bean accessions for (top left) protein content (% dry weight), (top right) vicine content (% dry weight), (bottom left) convicine content (% dry weight), and (bottom right) total VC (vicine + convicine, % dry weight). All measurements were performed on intact seeds and expressed on a dry weight basis.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"9.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8647547/v1/e70f00dd095954912ef26fe2.png"},{"id":101754182,"identity":"73b2c5fc-60cd-43d0-b15c-a8518a4a11d3","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-02-03 10:41:54","extension":"png","order_by":10,"title":"Figure 10","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":199455,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eComparison of individual accession distributions and season‐specific distribution for Protein and anti‐nutritional factors in faba bean accessions. (a) Pareto–style bar plots showing each accession’s content of Protein (%), Vicine (%), Convicine (%) and Total VC (%) sorted in descending order; Spring‐grown accessions are colored coral and Winter‐grown accessions turquoise. (b) Corresponding raincloud plots for each trait, with half-eye density estimates overlaying boxplots Winter in green (top) and Spring in blue (bottom) and black dots marking seasonal means. Each row represents one trait (from top: Protein, Vicine, Convicine, Total VC).\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"10.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8647547/v1/8de4298157bc8bb9d695c0d7.png"},{"id":101753730,"identity":"0eb87b97-48d6-4299-be9a-746ec7f1f8da","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-02-03 10:40:39","extension":"png","order_by":11,"title":"Figure 11","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":100099,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e(a) Vicine vs. Convicine content (%) across our faba bean germplasm, with colored‐flowered types in gold and white‐flowered types in blue highlighting a tight positive relationship that breeders must navigate when selecting for low levels of both anti‐nutritional compounds. (b) Total VC (vicine + convicine) plotted against protein content (%) in the same set of accessions, showing the range of variation available for breeding: while some lines combine high protein with low VC, others trade off one trait for the other, illustrating the germplasm space breeders can exploit when developing high‐protein, low‐VC varieties.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"11.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8647547/v1/60511ecf89ff14003f26e290.png"},{"id":101755821,"identity":"cec32c9d-75dd-4a38-b086-1900232f3e23","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-02-03 10:55:05","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":5627673,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8647547/v1/b49a7ed7-cd60-4f6a-b2b6-18cc0de3b7b4.pdf"},{"id":101727857,"identity":"ab309ec6-9ffb-4271-b123-7011d6bd153e","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-02-03 05:14:39","extension":"docx","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"supplement","size":16916,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"supplementarymanuscriptvicia.docx","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8647547/v1/8819c469acda8cad245be800.docx"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"Faba Beans for Northwestern Europe: A Multi-Criteria Evaluation for Cold Tolerance and Quality","fulltext":[{"header":"Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003eFaba bean (\u003cem\u003eVicia faba\u003c/em\u003e L.) is an important grain legume recognized for its high-protein seeds and agronomic benefits​. The protein content of dry seeds is generally around 30% protein, along with ample minerals and bioactive compounds​, making faba bean a valuable source of plant protein for food and feed (Karkanis et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR35\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018a\u003c/span\u003e). Equally important, faba bean contributes to sustainable agriculture through symbiotic nitrogen fixation, enhancing soil fertility and reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers in crop rotations​. These attributes have spurred interest in expanding faba bean cultivation to improve protein self-sufficiency in Europe. Under optimal conditions, faba bean cultivars can yield up to ~\u0026thinsp;8\u0026ndash;9 tons per hectare, outperforming many other pulse crops (Lippolis et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR48\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e; Metayer, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR56\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2004\u003c/span\u003e)​. However, actual farm yields in temperate regions often remain well below this potential \u0026ndash; frequently under half the attainable yield \u0026ndash; due to a range of biotic and abiotic stresses that constrain the crop​ (Lippolis et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR48\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e). Northwestern (NW) Europe is generally considered as the most productive region for faba bean which is a cool-season legume. It is particularly sensitive to drought and heat stress which reduces yield potential in southern parts of the world.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn NW Europe, growers face specific hurdles to integrate faba beans into cropping systems under the region\u0026rsquo;s unpredictable, damp climate. One key consideration is the choice between winter and spring sowing. In areas with mild winters, faba bean is typically sown in autumn (as a \u0026ldquo;winter\u0026rdquo; crop), whereas in colder zones planting is postponed until late winter or early spring to avoid frost damage ​(Bilalis et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2003\u003c/span\u003e; Karkanis et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR35\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018a\u003c/span\u003e; Sallam et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR68\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2015a\u003c/span\u003e). Winter-type faba bean varieties do not have an absolute vernalization requirement; rather, exposure to cold can accelerate and synchronize flowering. When winter-sown plants survive overwintering, their longer growing season generally confers higher yield potential than spring types, though responses vary by genotype and environment. By contrast, spring faba bean varieties \u0026ndash; sown after the last frost \u0026ndash; escape the risk of overwinter freeze but have a shorter growing period. Spring types tend to invest more in seed quality; for example, trials have found that spring faba beans often achieve higher seed protein concentrations, even though their overall yield is usually lower than winter types (Segers et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR70\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e). Thus, the phenological distinction between winter and spring faba beans has important implications for development and cultivation: winter forms capitalize on early-season resources but demand sufficient cold tolerance, whereas spring forms sacrifice some yield for greater safety in harsh climates (Flores et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2013\u003c/span\u003e; Link et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR44\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2010\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe NW European climate itself imposes several stresses on faba bean cultivation. Excessive rainfall and heavy soils can lead to waterlogging, a condition to which faba bean is relatively more tolerant than many grain legumes but that still severely limits its growth and yield when it occurs during sensitive stages like flowering​ (Pampana et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR60\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e; Solaiman et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR72\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2007\u003c/span\u003e). Even brief periods of saturated soil have lasting negative effects on faba bean physiology (e.g. reduced chlorophyll), and recovery is often incomplete​ (Karkanis et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR35\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018a\u003c/span\u003e; Pociecha et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR64\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2008\u003c/span\u003e). Alongside moisture stress, unseasonal temperature fluctuations pose a threat. Faba bean is notably susceptible to frost injury, especially during flowering and pod development (Maqbool et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR54\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2010\u003c/span\u003e)​. Sudden cold shocks or late frosts can damage foliage and reproductive organs, sometimes killing poorly acclimated plants. Notably, cold-shock damage on leaves can mimic symptoms of disease \u0026ndash; for instance, frost-induced necrotic spots may resemble the chocolate-brown leaf lesions of \u003cem\u003eBotrytis\u003c/em\u003e (chocolate spot) infection. However, unlike a true infection, such abiotic lesions remain localized to the tissue exposed at the time of the cold event and do not spread further​ (\u003cspan type=\"Underline\" class=\"Underline\" name=\"Emphasis\"\u003esaskpulse.com\u003c/span\u003e). These climate-related challenges underscore the need for faba bean varieties with strong cold tolerance and resilience to water stress to succeed in NW Europe\u0026rsquo;s wet and variable conditions(Karkanis et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR35\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018a\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBeyond agronomic performance and stress resistance, seed quality is also a critical aspect of faba bean evaluation for both nutritional and end-use considerations. Faba bean seeds are protein rich which underscores their potential contribution to human and animal diets as a sustainable protein source. However, the crop\u0026rsquo;s value is partly curtailed by the presence of certain anti-nutritional compounds in the seed. In particular, faba beans contain high levels of polyphenolic tannins in their seed coats and two unique pyrimidine glycosides, vicine and convicine, in the cotyledons (Cr\u0026eacute;pon et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2010\u003c/span\u003e). These compounds have well-documented anti-nutritional effects. Tannins can bind proteins and reduce their digestibility, and they are largely responsible for the bitter, astringent \u0026ldquo;beany\u0026rdquo; taste often associated with faba bean products​ (Cr\u0026eacute;pon et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2010\u003c/span\u003e; Labba et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR41\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e)​. The vicine-convicine (VC) glycosides likewise have no nutritional benefit and can be harmful: in individuals with an inherited enzyme deficiency (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency), ingestion of vicine and convicine can trigger favism, a form of acute haemolytic anaemia ​(Luzzatto \u0026amp; Arese, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR51\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e). Even in the general population, these glycosides are implicated in reducing faba bean palatability \u0026ndash; recent studies have found correlations between higher vicine-convicine content and increased bitterness and mouth-dryness in faba bean ingredients ​(Tuccillo et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR78\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e). Therefore, both tannins and VC not only limit the nutritional quality of faba beans (especially for non-ruminant animals and direct human consumption) but also affect consumer acceptance due to flavour issues.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGiven these considerations, improving faba bean quality traits is a major objective alongside yield and stress tolerance in breeding programs. Developing cultivars with low or zero VC content is particularly important for enhancing faba bean\u0026rsquo;s food and feed value ​(Choi et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e). In recent years, breeders have identified genetic sources of the recessive low-VC trait and have begun releasing VC low varieties to mitigate the risks of favism and broaden faba bean\u0026rsquo;s marketability. Similarly, low-tannin (sometimes called \u0026ldquo;zero-tannin\u0026rdquo;) faba bean variants are desirable for food uses, as they have a clearer seed coat and milder flavour. In fact, the European registry of varieties now includes several faba bean lines classified by their improved quality, specifically having a greatly reduced tannin content in the seed coat ​(Lippolis et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR48\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e). Such low-tannin varieties (often recognizable by their white flower phenotype) produce beans without the dark testa and bitterness associated with high-condensed-tannin types. Ultimately, the ideal faba bean for NW Europe should combine multiple advantageous traits: sufficient winter hardiness or cold tolerance, resistance to the major diseases, high yield potential, and superior seed quality (high protein with minimal anti-nutritional factors) ​(Karkanis et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR35\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018a\u003c/span\u003e). Recognizing this, recent studies and breeding efforts emphasize multi-criteria improvement of faba beans​. The present study contributes to these efforts by evaluating a range of winter and spring faba bean cultivars in NW Europe under wet, cool-season conditions. We focus on a comprehensive set of criteria\u0026mdash;from cold tolerance and phenological development to seed composition (including protein and VC levels), and other quality attributes relevant to end-use. Importantly, we also include a baking performance test to assess the suitability of selected cultivars for human consumption and value-added food products. By integrating agronomic, nutritional, and functional quality assessments, this study aims to identify promising faba bean genotypes and traits that support both crop resilience and food system diversification in NW European agriculture\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Materials and Methods","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec3\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003eExperimental Design and Plant Material\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThis study was conducted at Ghent University\u0026rsquo;s experimental farm (Melle) across two seasons (2022\u0026ndash;2023; 2023\u0026ndash;2024) and evaluated winter and spring-sown faba bean. The work comprised two phases: a Year 1 genotype-screening phase and a Year 2 mini-plot trial. In Year 1, each variety was sown in two genotype-screening rows with 30 seeds per row, and phenology (BBCH) and plant height were recorded at scheduled intervals. In Year 2, each accession was grown in six randomized mini-plots of 1 m\u0026sup2;, each plot consisting of three lines spaced 0.5 m apart with 0.2 m in-row spacing (five seeds per line; 15 seeds per plot; 90 seeds per accession), with 0.75 m alleys between plots; phenology and plant height were recorded as in Year 1. The winter trials included 24 varieties in Year 1 and 30 in Year 2, and the spring trials included 18 varieties in both years. The complete list of accessions is provided in Supplementary Table\u0026nbsp;4.1.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFigure i\u003c/strong\u003e : Aerial (UAV) image of the Year 2 spring season field trial, showing early vegetative growth of faba bean genotypes arranged in a randomized complete block design. The trial consists of 1 \u0026times; 1 m\u0026sup2; miniplots with 3 replications, each representing an individual genotype.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eField Management and Fertilisation\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcross all trials, standard field management practices were applied to control weeds, pests and diseases and to ensure adequate nutrient supply. The main fertilisation and plant protection treatments for each season and trial are summarised below.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003col style=\"list-style-type: lower-roman;\"\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinter 2022\u0026ndash;2023\u003c/strong\u003e: Pre-emergence weed control consisted of pendimethalin (Stomp Aqua; 1.8 L ha⁻\u0026sup1;) plus dimethenamid-P (Frontier Elite; 0.7 L ha⁻\u0026sup1;). Disease was managed with fluopyram (Luna Privilege; 0.5 L ha⁻\u0026sup1;) targeting \u003cem\u003eBotrytis\u003c/em\u003e spp., and aphids were controlled with pirimicarb (Pirimor; 0.4 kg ha⁻\u0026sup1;). No NPK fertiliser was applied because plant survival was very low relative to the field area; only a small amount of K₂O was supplied to selected surviving plants.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpring 2023\u003c/strong\u003e: Before sowing, plots received 60 kg P₂O₅ ha⁻\u0026sup1; as triple superphosphate and 100 kg K₂O ha⁻\u0026sup1; as KornKali. Pre-emergence weed control used pendimethalin (Stomp Aqua; 1.8 L ha⁻\u0026sup1;) plus dimethenamid-P (Frontier; 1.0 L ha⁻\u0026sup1;). \u003cem\u003eBotrytis\u003c/em\u003e spp. was controlled with fluopyram (Luna Privilege; 0.5 L ha⁻\u0026sup1;). Aphids (\u003cem\u003eAphis\u003c/em\u003e spp.) were managed with pirimicarb (Pirimor; 0.4 kg ha⁻\u0026sup1;) in two applications, and \u003cem\u003eBruchus\u003c/em\u003e spp. were controlled with lambda-cyhalothrin (Karate Zeon; 0.05 L ha⁻\u0026sup1;).\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinter 2023\u0026ndash;2024\u003c/strong\u003e: Pre-emergence weed control again used dimethenamid-P (Frontier; 0.9 L ha⁻\u0026sup1;) plus pendimethalin (Stomp Aqua; 1.8 L ha⁻\u0026sup1;). Potassium fertiliser was applied as 120 kg K₂O ha⁻\u0026sup1; from KornKali. \u003cem\u003eBotrytis\u003c/em\u003e spp. was controlled with fluopyram (Luna Privilege; 0.5 L ha⁻\u0026sup1;). Post-emergence broadleaf weed control combined bentazon\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;imazamox (Corum; 1.25 L ha⁻\u0026sup1;) with the oil adjuvant Dash (0.625 L ha⁻\u0026sup1;). Later in the season, a combined fungicide\u0026ndash;insecticide treatment was applied with metconazole (Caramba; 1.2 L ha⁻\u0026sup1;) targeting \u003cem\u003eUromyces viciae-fabae\u003c/em\u003e and pirimicarb (Pirimor; 0.4 kg ha⁻\u0026sup1;) for aphids.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpring 2024\u003c/strong\u003e: Pre-emergence weed control consisted of dimethenamid-P (Frontier; 1.0 L ha⁻\u0026sup1;) plus pendimethalin (Stomp Aqua; 1.8 L ha⁻\u0026sup1;). Potassium fertilisation was 120 kg K₂O ha⁻\u0026sup1; as KornKali. A combined fungicide\u0026ndash;insecticide application later in the season used metconazole (Caramba; 1.2 L ha⁻\u0026sup1;) against \u003cem\u003eUromyces viciae-fabae\u003c/em\u003e and pirimicarb (Pirimor; 0.4 kg ha⁻\u0026sup1;) against aphids, followed by lambda-cyhalothrin (Karate Zeon; 0.075 L ha⁻\u0026sup1;) targeting \u003cem\u003eBruchus\u003c/em\u003e spp.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePhenotyping and Data Collection\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePhenotypic data were collected over two growing seasons under contrasting sowing conditions, autumn (winter) and spring, to assess the influence of seasonal timing on faba bean development and trait expression. Field observations were systematically recorded using the Field Book mobile application (Rife \u0026amp; Poland, 2014), enabling standardized, efficient, and georeferenced data acquisition across all plots and time points.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll developmental stages were documented using the BBCH scale for faba bean, providing a consistent and widely recognized framework for recording phenological progression. Observations began at sowing and continued at regular intervals until physiological maturity, covering key traits such as germination, flowering time, plant height, branching, and maturity. Environmental data, including daily temperature, precipitation, and soil moisture, were obtained from the Royal Meteorological Institute of Belgium (KMI) to examine climatic influences on crop development.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe trials were conducted under open-field conditions representative of NW Europe. Cold stress was primarily observed during the winter-sown trials, particularly in the 2022\u0026ndash;2023 season, when plants were exposed to episodes of cold shock and persistently low soil temperatures during early seedling establishment. These conditions led to partial winterkill and uneven emergence across plots. In contrast, the 2023\u0026ndash;2024 winter season was relatively mild, resulting in more uniform plant establishment and survival. As expected, spring-sown trials were less affected by cold stress due to higher ambient temperatures and reduced exposure to early-season frost.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcross the winter trials, a combination of low temperatures, slow and heterogeneous emergence and disease pressure led to substantial winter mortality in a subset of genotypes. In severely affected plots, phenological and morphological observations could therefore only be recorded on the surviving plants. Winter survival itself is a key trait for breeders, and genotypes that failed to overwinter were retained in the dataset and explicitly identified as winter sensitive. However, to ensure consistency and analytical reliability for traits expressed later in the season (e.g. architecture, flowering and yield), only genotypes with at least some plants surviving to maturity were included in the corresponding trait analyses, and reported values represent means calculated from those surviving individuals. This approach inevitably reduced replication for some genotypes, but it avoided biasing trait estimates while still preserving information on lack of winter tolerance, which is of direct relevance for breeding.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe following traits/events were recorded on a per-plant basis:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSowing and Harvesting Dates\u003c/strong\u003e: Used to define the duration of the crop cycle under each sowing regime.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNumber of Branches\u003c/strong\u003e: Total number of primary branches per plant, recorded at both vegetative and flowering stages.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Height\u003c/strong\u003e: Measured from soil surface to the highest point of the plant.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlowering\u003c/strong\u003e: Noted as the BBCH stage when the first open flower appeared; the node position of the first flower was also recorded.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThousand-Kernel Weight (TKW)\u003c/strong\u003e: Calculated post-harvest by weighing a subsample of 100 seeds and extrapolating to 1000 seeds, after standardizing for moisture content.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis phenotyping framework was applied in both autumn and spring-sown trials to enable comparative assessment of seasonal effects on plant performance.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eNIRS-Based Analysis of Protein, Vicine, and Convicine in Faba Bean Germplasm\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNear-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) was employed to determine the compositional traits of faba bean seeds, focusing on protein, vicine, convicine, and total vicine\u0026ndash;convicine (VC) content using Poorman\u0026rsquo;s calibration pipeline discussed in last chapter. The analysis was conducted directly on intact seeds, allowing for rapid, non-destructive, and high-throughput phenotyping. This approach was applied to both experimental trial samples and the diverse faba bean collection maintained at Ghent University (UGent Fababean collection), enabling the characterization of genetic variation in key nutritional and antinutritional compounds.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCalibration models were developed using a representative subset of samples with wet-chemistry reference values and evaluated via R\u0026sup2; and RMSE, following a \u0026ldquo;poor man\u0026rsquo;s\u0026rdquo; calibration pipeline (Dubey, 2025, under review). The protein model showed strong predictive ability (R\u0026sup2; = 0.92; RMSE\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.35%), and models for vicine and convicine performed similarly well (R\u0026sup2; = 0.89 and 0.87; RMSE\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.12% and 0.10%, respectively; Dubey et al., 2024, under review). Total vicine\u0026ndash;convicine (VC) content was calculated as the sum of individual vicine and convicine concentrations, providing an integrated metric for selection. The use of intact-seed NIRS enabled efficient screening of large numbers of samples while preserving seed integrity for further testing or planting.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Shock and Pathogenicity Assessment\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eCold Shock and Pathogenicity Assessment\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCold shock symptoms were monitored as part of routine phenotyping in autumn-sown faba bean field trials conducted during the 2022\u0026ndash;2023 and 2023\u0026ndash;2024 growing seasons. Symptomatic plants exhibiting stem discoloration during the early vegetative stage were identified through systematic field scouting and collected for laboratory diagnostics to investigate putative pathogenic agents.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause the observed symptoms were brown to black necrotic lesions on the stem base and collar, we focused on the principal necrotrophic and soil-borne fungi reported to cause such diseases in faba bean. These include \u003cem\u003eAscochyta fabae/Didymella fabae\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eBotrytis fabae\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eFusarium\u003c/em\u003e spp. and \u003cem\u003eRhizoctonia solani\u003c/em\u003e, all of which are readily cultured on PDA (e.g. Blake et al., 2022; Hashem et al., 2021; Lee et al., 2020; Paul et al., 2022). We therefore used PDA-based isolation combined with microscopic examination to detect viable infections, recognising that this method may under-represent non-culturable or strictly host-dependent pathogens but provides robust coverage of the major disease agents underlying the stem browning observed in this study.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn both years, symptomatic stem tissues were cultured on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) medium under sterile conditions. To minimize surface contamination and standardize handling prior to culture, tissues were prepared using two pre-plating treatments performed under aseptic conditions.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003col style=\"list-style-type: lower-roman;\"\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWashed samples\u003c/strong\u003e: Excised stem segments were transferred to sterile 50-mL tubes and rinsed three times in sterile distilled water (SDW). For each rinse, samples were fully immersed in fresh SDW, gently agitated for ~\u0026thinsp;30 s to dislodge loosely adherent debris and epiphytic microbes, and the rinse water was discarded before adding new SDW. After the third rinse, excess moisture was removed by blotting on sterile filter paper to prevent dilution of the plating medium.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSurface-disinfected samples\u003c/strong\u003e: Stem segments were surface-sterilized in 1% (v/v) sodium hypochlorite solution (Haz-Tab; Guest Medical, UK) for 1 min with gentle agitation to reduce epiphytic microbial load. Following disinfection, samples were rinsed three times in fresh SDW to remove residual NaOCl that could inhibit subsequent microbial growth. After the final rinse, tissues were blotted dry on sterile filter paper prior to plating.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA total of 84 samples, comprising 42 samples rinsed in water and 42 samples treated with 1% sodium hypochlorite followed by rinsing with water were analysed. Plates were incubated at room temperature (approximately 22\u0026ndash;25\u0026deg;C) under ambient light for 5\u0026ndash;7 days. Emerging microbial colonies, if present, were sub-cultured and examined under a light microscope to assess morphological characteristics. Colony morphology (e.g., shape, colour, texture, and margin) was documented and used to support preliminary identification.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMicroscopic observation focused on the presence of fungal hyphae, spores, or bacterial cells, aiding in the differentiation between potential pathogens and non-pathogenic organisms. All handling and observations were conducted under sterile conditions to avoid cross-contamination.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec8\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003eTaste Evaluation and Baking Test\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eApproximately 2 kg of seed samples from each of the 28 faba bean accessions were used for baking and sensory evaluation, carried out in collaboration with Paniflower NV, a commercial bakery partner specializing in functional bread testing. These accessions included both winter and spring types and are listed in Supplementary Table\u0026nbsp;2. The purpose of the sensory analysis was twofold: first, to evaluate the flavour profile of faba beans, and second, to assess the functional performance of faba bean flour when incorporated into bread. A trained sensory panel evaluated key attributes, including flavour profile of the tested, texture, and bitterness, with specific attention to any off notes linked to tannin content.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFor the baking test, beans were first milled into wholemeal flour under standardized conditions. The resulting flour was used in a standard bread formulation, with 10% of the wheat flour substituted by faba bean flour (200 g faba bean flour per 2000 g total flour). The standardized straight-dough method was used, and baking was conducted by Paniflower NV to ensure consistency in equipment and procedure. 1160 g of water, 40 g of fresh yeast, 40 g of bread improver, and 34 g of salt were added the wheat-faba bean flour mixture. All dry ingredients were thoroughly mixed before incorporating water and yeast. The doughs were then kneaded until optimal gluten development was achieved. Proofing was carried out for 60 minutes at 30\u0026deg;C and 80% relative humidity, ensuring consistent fermentation. The loaves were subsequently baked at 220\u0026deg;C for 25 minutes. This protocol was uniformly applied across all faba bean accessions and the wheat control (Ref-Blanco) to ensure comparability in baking performance and sensory outcomes.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe trained panel further evaluated the baked products for their crumb structure, flavour, and overall acceptability. In addition to sensory assessment, key functional properties such as loaf volume, and crumb softness were recorded to generate a comprehensive profile of the culinary and technological potential of each accession. After cooling, loaves were evaluated for the following parameters:\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eVolume-to-Weight Ratio (V/G): Baking performance was summarized as V/G, the loaf\u0026rsquo;s volume-to-weight ratio. Loaf volume (V) was measured by the rapeseed displacement method and divided by the corresponding loaf weight (G). Higher V/G denotes greater loaf expansion.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSmell Rating: A trained sensory panel of five members rated the bread aroma on a scale of 1 (pleasant) to 5 (unpleasant), with particular attention to beany, bitter, or earthy notes typically associated with legume flours and tannin presence.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCrumb Softness: Crumb texture was assessed instrumentally using a texture analyser to quantify crumb softness, a key quality trait influencing consumer acceptance. Bread slices, approximately 25\u0026ndash;30 mm thick, were taken from the centre of each loaf, avoiding crust regions. A cylindrical probe was used to compress the crumb to 25% of its original height at a constant speed, and the maximum force required for compression (in grams-force/gf) was recorded. Higher force values indicate firmer crumbs, while lower values correspond to softer, more aerated structures. This standardized method was applied across all accessions and the wheat control to ensure consistency in measurement.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAnalysis and Visualization\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll data analyses were conducted using R version 4.4.2 (R Core Team, 2016) within the RStudio environment. The statistical procedures aimed to identify significant differences among the tested varieties and to explore correlations between environmental variables, phenological stages, and quality traits. All figures and visualizations presented in the study were also generated using R studio.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Results","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec11\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003eOverview of Varietal Trials and Experimental Conditions\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThis study evaluated the developmental phenology of a diverse panel of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) genotypes across four contrasting growing seasons in NW Europe: Winter 2022\u0026ndash;2023, Spring 2023, Winter 2023\u0026ndash;2024, and Spring 2024. A total of 24, 30, 18, and 18 varieties were evaluated in each respective season (Table i), providing a broad genetic basis for assessing seasonal responses in phenological development. The full list of varieties evaluated in each season is provided in Supplementary Table\u0026nbsp;1. In particular, autumn-sown crop (October\u0026ndash;November sowings) experienced lower and more variable temperatures during early development, including cold shock events with daily minimums near or below freezing (Figure ii). These stress factors likely contributed to delayed emergence and prolonged vegetative growth. By contrast, spring-sown crops (April\u0026ndash;May) developed under warmer and more favourable conditions, resulting in a more rapid progression through vegetative and reproductive stages, albeit over a shorter calendar duration.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAcross the four trials, 42 unique faba bean genotypes were sown. Of these, 35 genotypes were included in the winter trials and 18 genotypes in the spring trials, with 11 genotypes common to both seasons (Allison, Bolivia, Cartouche, Fernando, GL Sunrise, Jasmin, Magnolia, Nakka, Tiffany, Trumpet and Victus). The remaining winter-only genotypes were Augusta, Axel, Bumble, Curlew, C\u0026ocirc;te D\u0026rsquo;or, Diva, Favino, GL Alice, GL Arabella, Honey, Irena, MB21.3, MM 1.1, MM3.2, MS 5.2, MS 14.3, Nebraska, Niagara, Norton, Pantani, Tundra, Vespa, Vincent and Wizard, whereas the spring-only set comprised Fuego, Futura, GL Emilia, Genius, Lynx, Macho and Yukon.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePhenotyping was carried out only on plants that survived to maturity. In both years, all 18 spring genotypes reached maturity. In contrast, only 11 genotypes completed their life cycle in winter: Augusta, Bumble, C\u0026ocirc;te D\u0026rsquo;or, Curlew, GL Arabella, Nebraska, Norton, Tiffany, Vespa, Vincent and Wizard, with Tiffany being the only accession that did so in both winter and spring. The remaining winter-sown genotypes (Allison, Axel, Bolivia, Cartouche, Diva, Favino, Fernando, GL Alice, GL Magnolia, GL Sunrise, Honey, Irena, Jasmin, MB21.3, MM 1.1, MM3.2, MS 5.2, MS 14.3, Nakka, Niagara, Pantani, Trumpet, Tundra and Victus) suffered severe winter kill or failed to reach maturity and are therefore classified as poorly winter-tolerant.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec12\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003eGrowing Degree Days (GDD) Accumulation Across Seasons\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTo quantify crop development across seasons, GDD were calculated for each trial period using a base temperature of 5\u0026deg;C. Table i summarizes total GDD, crop duration, and average daily GDD. Spring trials accumulated thermal time more rapidly (10.5\u0026ndash;12.6 GDD day⁻\u0026sup1;) than winter trials (5.1\u0026ndash;6.0 GDD day⁻\u0026sup1;), enabling maturity within 99\u0026ndash;122 days.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable i : Growing Degree Days (GDD) accumulation and duration of faba bean trials across four seasons (base temperature\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;5\u0026deg;C).\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003ctable id=\"Taba\" border=\"1\"\u003e\n \u003ccolgroup cols=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\n \u003cthead\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSeason\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSowing Date\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHarvesting Date\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDuration (days)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTotal GDD\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eGDD/Day\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/thead\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWinter 2022\u0026ndash;23\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e11 Nov 2022\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e06 Jul 2023\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e238\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1208\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5.1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSpring 2023\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e05 Apr 2023\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e04 Aug 2023\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e122\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1281\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWinter 2023\u0026ndash;24\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e17 Oct 2023\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e19 Jul 2024\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e277\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1675\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6.0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSpring 2024\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e13 May 2024\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e19 Aug 2024\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e99\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1251\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12.6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n \u003c/table\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIn contrast, winter-sown crops required 238\u0026ndash;277 days, reflecting slower physiological progression under cooler early-season conditions. Notably, Winter 2023\u0026ndash;24 combined the highest total GDD (1675) with the slowest accrual rate (6.0 GDD day⁻\u0026sup1;) and the longest duration (277 days). Spring 2024 paired the fastest rate (12.6 GDD day⁻\u0026sup1;) with the shortest duration (99 days). These patterns indicate that the rate of thermal accumulation, rather than total GDD alone, governs the compression of the development calendar.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFigure ii\u003c/strong\u003e : Daily temperature and rainfall trends during the growing seasons of faba bean in the field experiment. The orange ribbon indicates the daily minimum to maximum air temperature (\u0026deg;C), and the red line represents the daily average temperature. Blue bars depict daily rainfall (mm). Each panel corresponds to a specific season and year: Winter Year 1 (Oct 2022\u0026ndash;Jul 2023), Winter Year 2 (Oct 2023\u0026ndash;Jul 2024), Spring Year 1 (Feb\u0026ndash;Aug 2023), and Spring Year 2 (Feb\u0026ndash;Aug 2024).\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFurthermore, winter trials were subject to declining temperatures during autumn and early winter, with frequent cold shock events (daily minimums near or below freezing). These cold periods likely induced delayed germination, slower leaf development, and temporary metabolic suppression, reducing the daily GDD accumulation rate and prolonging the lifecycle. Although faba bean is moderately cold-tolerant, its vegetative and reproductive phases are sensitive to extreme temperature drops, which may influence biomass accumulation, branching, and floral initiation.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec13\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003ePlant Height\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAll plant height measurements were conducted on an individual-plant basis. Across all seasons and varieties, the overall mean maximum height attained was 86.7\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;22.6 cm, underscoring substantial variability driven by seasonal temperature and photoperiod differences. Among the four environments, plants grown in Spring 2 (2024) achieved the highest average final height (106.0\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5.6 cm), followed by Spring 1 (2023) at 96.0\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;7.3 cm. In contrast, winter-grown plants were significantly shorter and compact reaching 76.0\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;17.5 cm in Winter 1 and just 51.1\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;11.0 cm in Winter 2. The pronounced disparity between spring and winter seasons highlights the strong influence of seasonal differences on shoot elongation and canopy development in faba bean.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTo understand the timing of vegetative development, we examined the thermal threshold at which each genotype attained 80% of its final height - a proxy for the onset of canopy closure and plateauing growth (Figure iii). On average, this occurred at 779\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;125 GDD, with clear seasonal divergence: 788\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;57 GDD in Winter 1, 1015 GDD in Winter 2, 695\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;45 GDD in Spring 1, and 714 GDD in Spring 2. The higher GDD threshold in Winter 2, despite a lower overall height, suggests delayed vegetative progression. Because GDD corrects only for temperature, this shift likely reflects non-thermal constraints, particularly light availability (cloud cover/incident radiation and effective photoperiod), rather than thermal effects alone. Flowering and vegetative development in faba bean are known to respond to daylength as well as temperature, with European germplasm often showing long-day or photoperiod-sensitive behaviour (Ellis et al., \u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1988\u003c/span\u003e; Lizarazo et al., \u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e; Patrick \u0026amp; Stoddard, \u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2010a\u003c/span\u003e), so seasonal differences in photoperiod and radiation may also have contributed to the slower progression observed in Winter 2. In contrast, spring environments supported more efficient height accumulation within a shorter thermal window.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFigure iii\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eGrowth response of 32 faba bean varieties to accumulated Growing Degree Days (GDD) across four seasonal environments. Plant height (cm) is plotted against cumulative GDD (\u0026deg;C-days) from sowing to maturity for each variety, under two winter (2022\u0026ndash;2023, 2023\u0026ndash;2024) and two spring (2023, 2024) seasons. Each line represents seasonal growth dynamics, color-coded by season.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eGrowth rate, expressed as the increase in height per unit of GDD, further illustrated seasonal adaptation. The fastest rates were observed in Spring 2 (0.136\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.011 cm GDD⁻\u0026sup1;) and Spring 1 (0.111\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.010 cm GDD⁻\u0026sup1;), whereas winter seasons exhibited lower rates: 0.082\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.019 cm GDD⁻\u0026sup1; in Winter 2 and 0.070\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.017 cm GDD⁻\u0026sup1; in Winter 1. Given that GDD standardizes temperature but not irradiance, these differences in cm GDD⁻\u0026sup1; likely capture photothermal interactions, whereby reduced light in winter settings constrains growth per unit thermal time.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFrom an agronomic perspective, these findings confirm a strong coupling between canopy development and thermal accumulation while also indicating that temperature alone is insufficient to explain seasonal patterns. The timing and rate of vegetative growth remain critical for maximizing light interception and yield potential\u0026mdash;especially in intercrops where early vigour confers competitive advantage\u0026mdash;but the results also underscore the importance of the light environment in modulating growth efficiency. The consistent early height gain under spring conditions therefore reflects both favourable thermal accumulation and greater light availability, supporting the adaptability of spring types in high-latitude contexts with delayed sowing windows.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec14\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003eBranching Patterns in Winter and Spring-Sown Faba Bean Accessions\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eBranching behaviour was assessed across winter and spring sowing conditions to evaluate genotypic plasticity and adaptation under varying seasonal environments in NW Europe. In the spring trials, branch development was generally more consistent and pronounced. During Spring Year 1, the average number of branches per plant ranged from 0.16 in GL Jasmin to 2.1 in Yukon. Other highly branched genotypes included Nakka (2.0), Victus (1.67), and Genius (1.7), while a subset of accessions such as GL Emilia, GL Sunrise, and Tiffany maintained fewer than one branch per plant. These patterns largely persisted in Spring Year 2, where most accessions retained an average of one branch, suggesting environmental consistency and stability in branching potential under spring sowing.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIn contrast, branching was significantly different in winter-sown accessions. During Winter Year 1, a few accessions exhibited moderate to high branching. Augusta, C\u0026ocirc;te D\u0026rsquo;or, and Curlew each produced up to 8 branches per plant, while others such as Bumble (7), Pantani (6), and Vespa (5) also demonstrated relatively high branching ability. Notably, Trumpet and Tiffany showed minimal branching with only 0\u0026ndash;1 branches, while Vincent displayed variation (3\u0026ndash;4 branches) across years. In Winter Year 2, overall branching was further reduced, with the majority of genotypes producing 0 to 2 branches. Several accessions, including MM1.1, MM3.2, MS14.3, and MS5.2, recorded zero branching (given that these were breeding lines selected from spring breeding material), indicating high susceptibility to winter conditions. Only C\u0026ocirc;te D\u0026rsquo;or (6), Curlew (5), and Niagara (5) maintained moderate branching levels, while most lines, such as Bolivia, Fernando, and Magnolia, remained unbranched.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFigure iv\u003c/strong\u003e: Contrasting growth habits of winter and spring faba bean genotypes. Left: A winter-sown variety (C\u0026ocirc;te D\u0026apos;or) exhibiting compact growth with multiple basal branches and short internodes, characteristic of vegetative development prior to floral initiation. Right: A spring-sown variety (Allison) displaying an elongated stem with no branching, typical of rapid vertical growth preceding reproductive development. Winter genotypes tend to maintain a compact form until the floral primordia stage, after which internodal elongation occurs. In contrast, spring genotypes undergo early stem elongation before initiating flowering.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThese seasonal contrasts suggest that branching in faba bean is highly sensitive to winter stress, particularly during early vegetative phases. The increased branching observed in winter trials may be attributed to cold-induced mechanism for survival during frost events. In our material, most genotypes grown in spring showed a predominantly single-stem habit, whereas dual-season varieties that can be grown in both seasons (e.g. \u0026lsquo;C\u0026ocirc;t\u0026eacute; d\u0026rsquo;Or\u0026rsquo;, \u0026lsquo;Fernando\u0026rsquo;) consistently produced more basal branches when sown in winter than when sown in spring. Thus, rather than maintaining a stable branching pattern across seasons, these genotypes express markedly higher branching under winter conditions than in spring sowings.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec15\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003eFlowering Dynamics\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe timing and duration of flowering in faba bean differed between spring- and winter-sown trials, reflecting distinct environmental cues and genotype-by-season interactions. To avoid ambiguity, phenology is reported as days after sowing (DAS), with calendar day of year (DOY) in parentheses.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec16\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003eSpring Season Flowering (Spring Year 1 \u0026amp; 2)\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIn both spring trials (Spring Year 1 and Spring Year 2), flowering was observed to occur in a narrow temporal window. The sowing for these trials began on 1 February 2024 (DOY 32), and flowering commenced between late June and early July.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe earliest onset of flowering (first flower visible) was recorded on 28 June 2024 (148 DAS; DOY 180), corresponding to 148 days after 1 February 2024. This was observed in varieties such as Allison, GL Emilia, Victus, and Futura. The latest half-plot flowering occurred on 4 July 2024 (154 DAS; DOY 186), notably in Lynx. Most accessions reached\u0026thinsp;\u0026ge;\u0026thinsp;50% flowering within 5\u0026ndash;6 DAS, reflecting a high degree of synchrony among spring genotypes under similar thermal and photoperiodic conditions. The average flowering onset across all 18 genotypes was 149.5\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.3 DAS (\u0026asymp;\u0026thinsp;DOY 181), and average half-plot flowering was 151.8\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.7 DAS (\u0026asymp;\u0026thinsp;DOY 184), suggesting a relatively tight transition from individual flowering to community-level flowering within the plots.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThis flowering synchrony is likely influenced by the sharp rise in accumulated GDD during late spring and the uniform response of spring-adapted accessions. Varieties like Cartouche, Trumpet, and Macho showed consistent flowering responses across both spring seasons, highlighting their adaptability to the spring growing window in NW Europe.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec17\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003eWinter Season Flowering (Winter Year 1 \u0026amp; 2)\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYear 1, the first visible flowers appeared on 17 April 2023 (198 DAS; DOY 107). Sequentially, flowering progressed to BBCH 63 by 24 April (205 DAS; DOY 114), full flowering (BBCH 65) by 8 May (219 DAS; DOY 128), and flowering decline initiated by 5 June (247 DAS; DOY 156). The end of flowering (BBCH 69) occurred on 12 June (254 DAS; DOY 163). This indicates a flowering phase spanning nearly 56\u0026ndash;57 DAS from onset to completion, with considerable developmental progression under temperate conditions.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIn Winter Year 2, detailed flowering phenology data per accession were recorded. Varieties such as Curlew, Diva, Irena, Vincent, Norton, and Wizard exhibited complete flowering progression (BBCH 60\u0026ndash;69). For example, Curlew reached BBCH 60 by mid-April, BBCH 65 by early May, and BBCH 69 by early to mid-June, spanning\u0026thinsp;~\u0026thinsp;55\u0026ndash;60 DAS from BBCH 60 to BBCH 69. Meanwhile, several accessions, including Allison, Jasmin, Fernando, and Magnolia, failed to flower or remained at vegetative stages (BBCH\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;60), likely due to poor overwintering capacity, photoperiod sensitivity, or vernalization dependency.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe average onset of flowering (BBCH 60) for winter varieties that did flower occurred around ~\u0026thinsp;198\u0026ndash;200 DAS (mid-April; ~DOY 107\u0026ndash;109 in 2023), while full flowering (BBCH 65) was typically reached by ~\u0026thinsp;218\u0026ndash;220 DAS (early May; ~DOY 127\u0026ndash;129). Varietal variation was notably higher in winter than in spring, reflecting the stronger influence of environmental interactions and genotype-specific developmental thresholds. Within this winter panel, we observed both relatively determinate genotypes, which completed flowering within roughly two weeks after reaching BBCH 65, and more indeterminate types that continued to initiate new flowers for several additional weeks while early pods were already filling, resulting in a markedly extended flowering period. This pattern is consistent with previous descriptions of faba bean growth habits, where varieties can range from semi-determinate to strongly indeterminate, with the latter type maintaining vegetative growth and flower initiation well into pod development (Patrick \u0026amp; Stoddard, \u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2010a\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec18\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003eSeasonal Comparison and Observations\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFlowering in spring-sown accessions was highly synchronous, with minimal variation among genotypes. The mean DAS to flowering onset was ~\u0026thinsp;149, and \u0026ge;\u0026thinsp;50% flowering was reached by ~\u0026thinsp;151\u0026ndash;154 DAS (approximately DOY 183\u0026ndash;186 in 2024), spanning just 5\u0026ndash;7 DAS. Conversely, winter-sown accessions displayed a broader phenological range, with flowering onset around ~\u0026thinsp;198 DAS (mid-April; ~DOY 107) and extending through to ~\u0026thinsp;254\u0026ndash;255 DAS (mid-June; ~DOY 163\u0026ndash;164). Several genotypes demonstrated delayed or failed flowering, emphasizing the importance of winter-hardiness and vernalization compatibility in breeding programs targeting winter sowing. Notably, Wizard, Curlew, Diva, Nebraska, and Niagara were among the most reliable winter-flowering accessions across both years.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec19\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003eThousand Kernel Weight (TKW)\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIn Winter Year 1, the average TKW across 13 accessions was 735 g (\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;159 g), with values ranging from 550.5 g (Nebraska) to 1008.5 g (Vincent). The high mean and wide variation suggest favourable growing conditions and extended grain filling periods, likely enhancing assimilate accumulation in seeds. Varieties such as Vincent, Wizard, and Trumpet exhibited particularly high TKWs, indicating strong sink strength and seed-filling potential. In Winter Year 2, the mean TKW declined to 571 g (\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;78.4 g) across 20 accessions. TKW ranged from 445.8 g (C\u0026ocirc;te D\u0026rsquo;or) to 733 g (Vincent). Although reduced compared to the previous winter, these values still surpassed spring averages, confirming the general yield advantage of winter sowing. The smaller standard deviation suggests more uniform seed development under that season\u0026rsquo;s environmental conditions, albeit with slightly less favourable grain filling than in Winter Year 1.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eBy contrast, Spring Year 1 accessions recorded a lower mean TKW of 519 g (\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;66.7 g). The lightest seeds were observed in Trumpet (416.8 g), while the heaviest were in Yukon (686.2 g). The reduced TKW relative to winter seasons may be linked to shorter growing periods and increased exposure to terminal heat during seed development, common in spring sowings in NW Europe. The lowest TKW was observed in Spring Year 2, with a mean of 375 g (\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;34.6 g) across 18 accessions. TKW values ranged from 311.7 g (Trumpet) to 446.7 g (Macho). This significant decline likely reflects harsher environmental conditions - such as drought or high temperatures, during flowering and pod filling stages, which can impair photosynthate production and translocation to developing seeds.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAcross all seasons, winter-sown accessions outperformed spring-sown ones in terms of seed weight, affirming the positive impact of longer growth duration, milder early development conditions, and extended grain filling periods. Varieties like Vincent, Wizard, and Vespa maintained high TKW across multiple seasons, while Trumpet and Tiffany consistently showed lower seed weights, particularly under spring sowing.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec20\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003eCold Shock Response in Faba Bean\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCold-induced abiotic stress emerged as a prominent and recurring issue during winter-sown faba bean trials. Plants exposed to sudden drops in temperature, particularly during January and early February (Figure ii) exhibited visible physiological symptoms, including basal stem discoloration (ranging from light brown to black), wilting, and upward dieback from the root zone (Figure v (a)). These symptoms closely resembled those typically associated with fungal infections, leading to initial misdiagnoses in the field.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo consistent microbial growth was observed under either treatment when incubated at 24\u0026deg;C, and microscopy revealed no pathogenic fungal structures (Figure v (a, c)), suggesting the symptoms were unlikely driven by fungal pathogens that grow under these conditions.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFigure v\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e(a) Representative samples showing early-stage and regenerated seedlings affected by cold shock.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(b) Progressive stem discoloration associated with varying cold shock intensity, with darker pigmentation indicating more severe damage. (c) Diagnostic workflow for affected samples: tissue from symptomatic plant parts was collected, cleaned, and prepared for laboratory analysis. (d) Results of pathogen and cold shock assessment from Year 2 winter samples, indicating cold shock as the predominant cause of damage compared to \u003cem\u003eFusarium, Botrytis, Ascochyta\u003c/em\u003e, and other soil-borne pathogens.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIn Year 2 (2023\u0026ndash;2024), the characteristic black stem discoloration reappeared in winter-sown faba bean plots (Figure v (b)), prompting a more extensive sampling effort to validate observations from the previous season. Symptomatic stem tissues were cultured on PDA under the same laboratory conditions used in Year 1. Laboratory screening revealed that the majority of cases were attributed to cold shock (63/84; 75.0%), which corresponded well with field observations of stem browning and blackening during episodes of sub-zero temperature (Figure v (d)). Among the biotic factors, \u003cem\u003eFusarium spp\u003c/em\u003e. and \u003cem\u003eAscochyta spp\u003c/em\u003e. were each detected in 7 samples (8.3%), while \u003cem\u003eBotrytis spp\u003c/em\u003e was found in 4 samples (4.8%), and other soil-borne pathogens were detected in 3 samples (3.6%). Although pathogens were identified in a subset of samples, they were relatively minor compared to cold shock, which remained the predominant stress factor. It is also important to note that pathogen infection does not necessarily exclude cold damage, as multiple stresses may have acted simultaneously; however, samples were classified according to the laboratory finding, the samples with detected pathogen were microscopically examined further to detect pathotypes.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAs most samples showed no microbial growth, even after extended incubation for up to six weeks, suggesting the presence of dead or non-viable tissue and confirming the absence of active infection (Figure v (b)). In several samples, soil fauna (e.g., mites or saprophytic organisms) was detected, but no known faba bean pathogens were associated with these cases. Only a very small fraction of samples exhibited fungal growth attributable to known faba bean pathogens. Microscopic examination and colony morphology assessment (Figure v, vi) supported this conclusion. Most microbial colonies that did emerge were non-pathogenic, environmental contaminants or soil-associated organisms. Visual classification of samples (Figure vi (d)) confirmed that cold shock was the most frequently identified cause of stem damage, with pathogen-related causes such as \u003cem\u003eFusarium oxysporum\u003c/em\u003e f. sp. \u003cem\u003eFabae\u003c/em\u003e (Figure vi (a), S2), \u003cem\u003eBotrytis fabae\u003c/em\u003e (Figure vi (a), S1), \u003cem\u003eAscochyta pinodella\u003c/em\u003e (Figure vi (a), S3), and in a small number of cultured samples, saprophytic soil-associated fungi were observed. These fungi, known to be soilborne symbionts rather than pathogens, appeared at very low frequency and were not associated with visible disease symptoms. Their presence is likely incidental, reflecting the natural microbial diversity of the rhizosphere rather than a causal relationship with the stem discoloration observed in the field (Gordon \u0026amp; Martyn, \u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1997\u003c/span\u003e; Smith \u0026amp; Read, \u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2010\u003c/span\u003e; Tadja et al., \u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2009\u003c/span\u003e; Zhang et al., \u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2010\u003c/span\u003e). Cold-shock events can nonetheless influence both host susceptibility and fungal behaviour, and some hyphae from non-culturable or strongly host-dependent species may remain in planta without producing outgrowth on PDA. Consequently, our culture-based approach primarily captures viable, pathogens; more sensitive PCR-based assays or metabarcoding would be needed to fully characterise latent or non-culturable infections and to explore cold\u0026ndash;pathogen interactions in greater detail.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFigure vi\u003c/strong\u003e: Petri plate assay of faba bean cold shock samples. (a) Plates showing fungal growth from diseased samples, confirming the presence of specific pathogens: AS1 \u0026ndash; \u003cem\u003eBotrytis spp\u003c/em\u003e., AS2 \u0026ndash; \u003cem\u003eFusarium spp\u003c/em\u003e., AS3 \u0026ndash; \u003cem\u003eAscochyta pinodella\u003c/em\u003e, and AS4 \u0026ndash; saprophytic soil-associated fungi. (b) Samples with no microbial growth, confirming that the observed damage was caused by cold shock rather than pathogenic infection.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec21\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003eTaste Evaluation and Baking Test\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTo assess the sensory suitability of faba bean varieties in breadmaking, a taste evaluation was conducted with particular attention to bitterness, which is commonly associated with tannin content. This sensory assessment aimed to identify bean varieties with reduced bitterness and acceptable sensory qualities for potential use in baking applications.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec22\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003eVolume-to-Weight Ratio (V/G)\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe V/G ratio, an important indicator of loaf expansion and baking performance, varied notably among the evaluated faba bean accessions. The wheat control (Ref-Blanco) recorded the highest V/G ratio of 4.47 cm\u0026sup3;\u0026middot;g⁻\u0026sup1;, serving as the benchmark for optimal loaf structure (Figure vii). Among the faba bean-based breads, several accessions demonstrated competitive expansion capacity, with Merlin exhibiting the highest V/G ratio (4.30 cm\u0026sup3;\u0026middot;g⁻\u0026sup1;), followed closely by Fernando (4.25 cm\u0026sup3;\u0026middot;g⁻\u0026sup1;), Taifur (4.23 cm\u0026sup3;\u0026middot;g⁻\u0026sup1;), and Curlew (4.17 cm\u0026sup3;\u0026middot;g⁻\u0026sup1;). These values indicate good gas retention and volume development, despite partial substitution of wheat with legume flour. Other high-performing accessions included GL Arabella, Adlon, Future, and Vincent, all exceeding a V/G ratio of 4.00 cm\u0026sup3;\u0026middot;g⁻\u0026sup1;, which reflects a well-leavened and aerated loaf. In contrast, Cartouche had the lowest V/G ratio (3.70 cm\u0026sup3;\u0026middot;g⁻\u0026sup1;), suggesting a denser, less voluminous structure, potentially due to poor dough elasticity or higher seed coat tannins impacting gluten network development. The observed variability in V/G ratios highlights the influence of genotype on baking behaviour and underscores the potential of specific faba bean accessions for functional food applications where volume and texture are critical quality parameters.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFigure vii\u003c/strong\u003e: Comparison of Volume-to-Weight Ratio (V/G) and Smell Ratings Across Faba Bean and Wheat Varieties: This bar chart illustrates the performance of various faba bean varieties and a wheat reference (Ref-Blanco) in two sensory-related baking quality traits: loaf volume-to-weight ratio (V/G) and smell rating. V/G (blue bars) reflects loaf expansion during baking, while smell (orange bars) is rated on a scale from 1 (pleasant) to 5 (unpleasant).\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cdiv id=\"Sec23\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003eSmell Assessment\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSmell evaluation, conducted by a trained sensory panel, revealed considerable variation across the 28 faba bean accessions and the wheat control (Figure vii). The reference wheat (Ref-Blanco) received the most favourable aroma score of \u003cstrong\u003e1\u003c/strong\u003e, reflecting a pleasant, neutral bread-like aroma. In contrast, several faba bean varieties such as Marias Bead, Vespa, and Cartouche were rated as \u003cstrong\u003e5\u003c/strong\u003e, indicating a distinctly unpleasant or beany odour often associated with high tannin content or residual volatile compounds from the legume matrix. Varieties including Honey, Fernando, and GL Arabella were scored as \u003cstrong\u003e4\u003c/strong\u003e, reflecting a less intense but still perceptible off note. Most accessions, such as Tundra, Vincent, Norton, and Futura, received intermediate scores of \u003cstrong\u003e3\u003c/strong\u003e, suggesting a neutral or mildly acceptable smell profile that may be further improved through formulation or processing adjustments. Notably, GL Magnolia was the only faba bean variety rated more favourable with a score of \u003cstrong\u003e2\u003c/strong\u003e, indicating low odour intensity and greater sensory appeal. This emphasizes the influence of varietal differences, particularly related to tannin content and seed composition, on aroma acceptability in bread products made with faba bean flour.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec24\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003eCrumb Softness\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCrumb softness, a critical determinant of bread quality and consumer acceptability, was assessed using a texture analyser, where lower values denote softer, more desirable crumb structures. The results revealed substantial variation among the tested faba bean accessions, underscoring the influence of genotype on final bread texture. Contrary to expectations, the softest crumb was observed in Norton (2074 gf), followed by the wheat control Ref-Blanco (2149 gf) and Fernando (2216 gf), suggesting that these accessions produced loaves with superior internal tenderness. This is noteworthy given that Ref-Blanco, a 100% wheat bread, typically serves as the benchmark for optimal crumb characteristics. Several accessions, including Fuego (2624 gf), Vincent (2553 gf), and \u003cem\u003eGL\u003c/em\u003e Alice (2535 gf), exhibited significantly firmer crumb textures, indicating denser and potentially drier internal structures.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFigure viii\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eCrumb softness (gf) of selected faba bean varieties and the wheat control (Ref-Blanco).\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThese findings challenge the assumption that legume flour inclusion necessarily compromises crumb softness (Figure viii). In fact, the performance of Norton and Fernando suggests that certain faba bean genotypes may even enhance crumb structure when appropriately formulated. Conversely, higher crumb firmness observed in Fuego and Vincent may reflect suboptimal hydration properties or matrix interactions that reduce gas retention or elastic recovery. Intermediate performers such as Genius, Melenka, and GL Sunrise (ranging between 2400\u0026ndash;2500 gf) maintained acceptable crumb textures but did not outperform the wheat control. These differences warrant further investigation into the biochemical and physical flour properties contributing to crumb structure, including protein\u0026ndash;starch interactions, fibre content, and water absorption capacity.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cdiv id=\"Sec25\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003eComparative Performance and Promising Varieties\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eBased on a combined evaluation of crumb softness, loaf volume, and aroma, the most promising faba bean accessions for partial wheat flour substitution in bread-making are Norton, Adlon, and Mistral. These varieties outperformed others in delivering soft internal textures, adequate loaf expansion, and acceptable sensory profiles. Varieties such as Tundra also showed strong potential due to their positive influence on loaf volume, even if slightly firmer in texture. Bumble, Future, and Melenka represent additional candidates with generally favorable performance across parameters. These findings underscore the potential of carefully selected faba bean genotypes to contribute to the development of nutritionally enriched, consumer-acceptable bread products, particularly in the context of sustainable and protein-rich plant-based diets.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n \u003cdiv id=\"Sec26\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003eNutritional and Anti-Nutritional Traits Detected by NIRS\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNIRS was used to quantify four key seed composition traits protein, vicine, convicine, and total vicine\u0026ndash;convicine (VC) content. The dataset included a total of 343 seed samples, accounting for both spring and winter types, multiple environments, and replicates. All the measurements were performed on intact seeds, enabling rapid, non-destructive screening of seed quality.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe analysis revealed substantial phenotypic variation for all traits, underscoring the genetic and physiological diversity within the collection. Protein content ranged from 20.2% to 37.0%, with a mean of 27.3% and standard deviation (SD) of 2.28%. Vicine content varied from 0.01% to 1.66% (mean\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.62%, SD\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.23%), while convicine ranged between 0.01% and 0.64% (mean\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.26%, SD\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.09%). Total VC content, calculated as the sum of vicine and convicine, also exhibited wide variability, ranging from 0.01% to 1.71%, with a mean of 0.90% and SD of 0.29%. The distributions of these traits are visualized in Figure ix, which highlights the continuous variation and presence of both low- and high-content genotypes for each compound. Protein content showed a near-normal distribution with a slight skew toward higher values. Vicine and convicine contents also displayed unimodal distributions, with a notable tail toward lower concentrations indicating the presence of low-VC genotypes in the panel.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe diversity present in nutritional and anti-nutritional traits underscores the potential of this panel for breeding programs aimed at enhancing seed protein while minimizing vicine and convicine levels. These results offer a solid foundation for the selection of parental lines in quality-focused breeding strategies. The analysis was further classified based on growing season (spring and winter) and flower colour (coloured and white).\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFigure ix\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eDistribution of NIRS-predicted trait values across 343 faba bean accessions for (top left) protein content (% dry weight), (top right) vicine content (% dry weight), (bottom left) convicine content (% dry weight), and (bottom right) total VC (vicine\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;convicine, % dry weight). All measurements were performed on intact seeds and expressed on a dry weight basis.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n \u003cdiv id=\"Sec27\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003eTrait Variation by Growing Season and Flower Colour:\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTo better understand the genetic and environmental influences on seed quality traits, all samples were systematically classified according to both growing season (spring and winter) and flower colour (coloured and white). This approach enabled the differentiation of trait expression not only across distinct environmental conditions, but also among genetic backgrounds associated with flower pigmentation. The comprehensive results for each group are summarized in Table ii.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTrait-wise comparisons based on individual accessions and growing season are presented in Figure x. The ranked bar plots (Figure (x) a) illustrate the full distribution of protein, vicine, convicine, and total VC content across the panel, revealing broad phenotypic variation within the collection. Spring-grown accessions, which were more numerous, exhibited a wider spread of values for all traits and were disproportionately represented among both the highest- and lowest-ranking genotypes. This suggests a greater phenotypic diversity within the spring group, likely influenced by both genetic variability and environmental responsiveness.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eRaincloud plots (Figure (x) b) further elucidate seasonal differences in trait distributions. Mean protein content was slightly higher in spring accessions (27.32%) than in winter ones (26.99%). Conversely, the anti-nutritional traits vicine, convicine, and total VC exhibited marginally higher mean concentrations in winter-grown samples (0.64%, 0.27%, and 0.88%, respectively) compared to spring types (0.62%, 0.26%, and 0.90%). Despite these small differences, the density distributions for all traits overlapped considerably between seasons, indicating that environmental effects alone do not fully explain trait variability. Rather, substantial within-season variation suggests a significant role for genetic background.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFigure x\u003c/strong\u003e: Comparison of individual accession distributions and season-specific distribution for Protein and anti‐nutritional factors in faba bean accessions. (a) Pareto\u0026ndash;style bar plots showing each accession\u0026rsquo;s content of Protein (%), Vicine (%), Convicine (%) and Total VC (%) sorted in descending order; Spring‐grown accessions are colored coral and Winter‐grown accessions turquoise. (b) Corresponding raincloud plots for each trait, with half-eye density estimates overlaying boxplots Winter in green (top) and Spring in blue (bottom) and black dots marking seasonal means. Each row represents one trait (from top: Protein, Vicine, Convicine, Total VC).\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec28\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003eProtein Content\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eProtein content exhibited substantial variability across both growing seasons and flower colour, with values ranging from 20.2% to 37.0%. White-flowered genotypes demonstrated consistently higher mean protein concentrations than their coloured-flowered counterparts, regardless of the growing season. In the spring-sown group, white-flowered accessions averaged 28.5% protein compared to 26.5% in coloured-flowered accessions. This trend was also evident among winter types, with mean protein content of 28.6% for white-flowered lines and 26.5% for coloured-flowered lines. The minimum protein value (20.2%) was observed among spring-coloured genotypes, whereas the maximum value (37.0%) was also recorded in this group, highlighting the wide phenotypic spectrum present within the population. Assessment of protein content at the individual accession level revealed that the spring accession FAB 6774 exhibited the highest protein concentration across the entire collection. This was followed by the winter accessions Favino and MM3.2 (F4 line) developed in the Ghent University faba bean breeding program. Conversely, the accession Macho displayed the lowest protein content among all samples evaluated.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec29\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003eVicine Content\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eVicine content exhibited a clear pattern of variation associated with flower colour, with white-flowered genotypes displaying higher mean concentrations than their coloured-flowered counterparts in both spring (0.69% vs. 0.57%) and winter (0.79% vs. 0.60%) accessions. The overall vicine levels ranged from 0.01% to 1.66%, indicating substantial genetic variability within the panel. Given the anti-nutritional nature of vicine, accessions with low content are particularly valuable for breeding programs targeting improved food and feed quality.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAt the individual accession level, several winter types, namely Diva, Curlew, and Axel exhibited the lowest vicine concentrations. In contrast, the highest vicine levels were recorded in white-flowered winter lines developed at Ghent University, specifically M4, M3.2, and MM1.1, followed by Nebraska, a commonly cultivated variety in the region. Among spring-sown accessions, ten genotypes showed vicine concentrations below 0.1%, including Genius, Allison, Futura, and Melodie, the latter being the only white-flowered genotype within this low-vicine group. The highest spring accessions for vicine content included Eucleg_52, FAB_6774, and Eucleg_24.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable ii : Summary statistics for protein, vicine, convicine, and total vicine\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;convicine (VC) content were generated for 343 faba bean accessions based on NIRS analysis of intact seeds. The data were stratified by growing season (spring or winter type) and flower colour (white or coloured). Protein, Vicine, Convicine and total VC content was expressed as a percentage of seed dry weight. For each trait, the mean, standard deviation, minimum, and maximum values were reported within each subgroup, providing insight into the phenotypic variation present in the germplasm collection.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cimg 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\"\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eConvicine Content\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConvicine content exhibited a distribution pattern like that of vicine, with concentrations ranging from 0.01% to 0.64% across all groups. White-flowered genotypes consistently showed higher average convicine levels than coloured-flowered types in both spring (0.30% vs. 0.23%) and winter (0.39% vs. 0.24%) accessions. Notably, several spring-coloured genotypes exhibited extremely low convicine levels, reaching as low as 0.01%, indicating strong potential for selecting low-convicine lines.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAmong the accessions with the highest convicine content was MM3.2, a white-flowered winter line developed within the Ghent University breeding program. This was followed by the gene bank accession \u003cem\u003eFAB_6623\u003c/em\u003e and the spring line GL Magnolia. In contrast, several spring accessions - Victus, Nakka, GL Emilia, Genius, and Futura, displayed nearly undetectable convicine concentrations. Likewise, the winter genotypes Diva, Curlew, and Axel were also among the lowest for this trait.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec31\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003eTotal VC Content\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTotal VC content mirrored the patterns observed for its individual components, with white-flowered genotypes exhibiting higher mean concentrations than coloured-flowered types in both spring (1.06% vs. 0.80%) and winter (1.10% vs. 0.82%) accessions. Across the full panel, VC values ranged from 0.01% to 1.71%, highlighting considerable genetic variation within the collection. Based on these results, vicine appears to be the primary contributor to total VC content, whereas convicine was consistently present at lower concentrations.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe accessions with the highest VC levels were primarily spring types, including UGENT_847, Eucleg_24, and Nanaux. High VC content was also recorded in the winter accession MM3.2 and in Nebraska, a widely cultivated white-flowered variety. These accessions represent genotypes with elevated levels of anti-nutritional factors and may require careful consideration in breeding pipelines targeting food and feed applications. Conversely, the lowest VC concentrations\u0026mdash;many below 0.1%\u0026mdash;were observed in accessions such as Curlew, Futura, Allison, Victus, and Melodie. Among winter types, Curlew, Axel, and Diva ranked among the lowest in VC content. These genotypes, particularly those combining low VC levels with agronomically desirable traits, offer promising candidates for the development of low-VC faba bean cultivars.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec32\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003eTrait Interactions and Flower Colour\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFigure xi illustrates the relationships between key nutritional and anti-nutritional traits - vicine, convicine, total VC, and protein content across the full faba bean germplasm panel, with flower colour coded to distinguish white- and coloured-flowered accessions.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIn panel a (Figure (xi) a), vicine is plotted against convicine, showing a strong, positive linear correlation across all accessions. This association confirms that the two anti-nutritional alkaloids are closely co-regulated, which is consistent with prior biochemical evidence that vicine and convicine are synthesized through a shared biosynthetic pathway. This relationship holds across flower types, although white-flowered genotypes (in blue) are predominantly concentrated in the upper portion of the plot, reflecting consistently higher levels of both vicine and convicine. In contrast, coloured-flowered genotypes (in gold) are primarily distributed along the lower end of the spectrum, suggesting that low-VC phenotypes are largely associated with pigmented flowers.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe concentration of white-flowered types in the high-VC region is noteworthy from a breeding perspective. While white-flowered lines are often preferred due to their low tannin content and associated benefits for palatability and protein digestibility, this trend suggests a trade-off: many of these genotypes may accumulate higher levels of anti-nutritional pyrimidine glycosides. This creates a challenge for breeding programs aiming to combine the consumer-friendly traits of white flowers with reduced vicine\u0026ndash;convicine content, particularly because of the tight coupling of these two compounds.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFigure xi\u003c/strong\u003e: (a) Vicine vs. Convicine content (%) across our faba bean germplasm, with colored-flowered types in gold and white‐flowered types in blue highlighting a tight positive relationship that breeders must navigate when selecting for low levels of both anti‐nutritional compounds. (b) Total VC (vicine\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;convicine) plotted against protein content (%) in the same set of accessions, showing the range of variation available for breeding: while some lines combine high protein with low VC, others trade off one trait for the other, illustrating the germplasm space breeders can exploit when developing high‐protein, low‐VC varieties.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePanel b (Figure (xi) b) explores the relationship between total VC content and protein concentration, two key targets in faba bean quality breeding. The distribution is far more diffuse compared to panel a (Figure (xi) a), with no clear linear correlation between the two traits. Instead, the data reveal a wide range of combinations, indicating that high protein and low VC content are not mutually exclusive. Importantly, a subset of accessions appears in the desirable quadrant, high protein (\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;30%) and low VC (\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.8%), demonstrating that these breeding goals can be achieved concurrently. This subset represents particularly valuable genetic material for breeding programs focused on developing food-safe, high-protein cultivars.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAdditionally, the highest protein values are largely contributed by a few white-flowered accessions, while coloured-flowered lines tend to cluster around moderate protein levels and lower VC. This pattern suggests that selection within coloured-flowered germplasm may more reliably yield low-VC lines, though potentially at the expense of maximum protein gain. Conversely, white-flowered lines may offer opportunities for high protein but require additional effort to decouple this trait from high VC content.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFigure (xi) a shows that white-flowered genotypes (blue points) generally exhibit higher vicine and convicine than coloured-flowered ones (gold points), although considerable overlap exists. Most genotypes cluster between 0.2\u0026ndash;0.5% convicine and 0.5\u0026ndash;1.2% vicine, with a few outliers beyond these ranges. The strong positive vicine\u0026ndash;convicine correlation indicates that selection on either trait will indirectly shift the other, consistent with shared biosynthetic control. Practically, this suggests using a multi-trait objective (e.g., an index on total VC or a weighted sum) to reduce overall anti-nutritional load efficiently, while recognizing pathway constraints. At the same time, the weak correlation between protein and VC supports the feasibility of simultaneous improvement, increasing protein while lowering VC particularly when selection accounts for flower-colour trends and germplasm structure.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Discussion","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec34\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eDevelopmental Patterns: Winter vs. Spring Varieties\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe developmental differences between winter and spring-sown faba bean varieties reflect the influence of temperature and photoperiod on growth and phenology. Winter-sown varieties showed earlier branching and rosette like growing pattern, likely as an adaptive response to low temperatures favouring structural development over early reproduction (Link et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR44\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2010\u003c/span\u003e; Stoddard et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR73\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2006\u003c/span\u003e). In contrast, spring-sown varieties exhibited a shorter vegetative phase before flowering, consistent with thermal time requirements for floral induction in legumes (Flores et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2013\u003c/span\u003e). Early branching in winter varieties may enhance biomass accumulation and contribute to yield stability under cool conditions (Jensen et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR33\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2010\u003c/span\u003e), though this advantage may be limited by sensitivity to frost during early growth (Sallam et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR69\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2015b\u003c/span\u003e). Nonetheless, several genotypes showed stable architectural traits across seasons, suggesting a degree of developmental plasticity and response to environmental variability. These observations suggest that traits such as early vigour, height stability, and branching consistency may serve as important selection criteria for breeding cultivars with robust performance across diverse sowing windows (Khazaei et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR39\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR38\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e; Link et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR44\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2010\u003c/span\u003e; Sallam et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR67\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR67\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eReproductive development in faba bean was highly influenced by environmental conditions, particularly cumulative temperature and daylength. Spring-sown genotypes flowered earlier and more synchronously, reaching 50% flowering within a narrow time window. This tight phenological clustering suggests a well-coordinated response to spring growing conditions and supports earlier findings on thermal-time-dependent flowering control (Flores et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2013\u003c/span\u003e; Summerfield et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR74\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1991\u003c/span\u003e). In contrast, winter-sown genotypes exhibited wider variability in flowering time, with some accessions failing to flower due to insufficient vernalization or overwintering damage. This underscores the complexity of genotype × environment interactions in regulating flowering, and highlights the value of stable-flowering genotypes such as Côte d'Or, Curlew, Diva, and Wizard, which performed consistently across both seasons (Arbaoui \u0026amp; Link, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2008\u003c/span\u003e). In temperate legumes, flowering time is largely controlled by photoperiod and vernalization pathways centred on FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT)/\u003cem\u003eTFL1\u003c/em\u003e family genes and SOC1-like MADS-box integrators (Weller \u0026amp; Ortega, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR80\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2015\u003c/span\u003e). In faba bean, QTL and candidate-gene studies point to FT- and SOC1-containing regions as major regulators of flowering and winter adaptation, so the contrasting behaviour of winter-sown accessions in our trials is likely driven by allelic differences at these flowering-time loci (Aguilar-Benitez et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e; Khazaei et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR38\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e). In terms of environmental cues, faba bean is generally regarded as a long-day species: most spring and winter cultivars require day lengths of roughly 14 h or longer to strongly promote the transition to flowering, even though genotypes with reduced photoperiod sensitivity also exist (Catt \u0026amp; Paull, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e; Norouzi \u0026amp; Vazin, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR58\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2011\u003c/span\u003e). Thermal time remains the main driver of progress towards flowering, but winter genotypes additionally express a vernalisation requirement that is typically fulfilled by about 30 days of exposure to low temperatures in autumn–winter (Cao et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e; Link et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR44\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2010\u003c/span\u003e; Link \u0026amp; Bond, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR45\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2011\u003c/span\u003e; Yuan et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR81\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e). Although unvernalised winter types sown in spring can still flower once day length is sufficiently long, flowering is delayed and poorly adapted to the growing season, underscoring the importance of matching vernalisation requirement and photoperiod sensitivity to the target sowing window (Ellis et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1988\u003c/span\u003e; Karkanis et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR36\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018b\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eYield-related observations, though constrained by partial survival in winter trials, revealed informative trends in seed development. TKW was generally higher in winter-grown plants, likely due to longer grain-filling periods under cooler conditions, which promote assimilate accumulation and seed maturation(Alharbi \u0026amp; Adhikari, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e; Farooq et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e; Loss \u0026amp; Siddique, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR50\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1994\u003c/span\u003e; Patrick \u0026amp; Stoddard, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR62\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2010b\u003c/span\u003e). Spring genotypes exhibited faster growth and reproductive development, often resulting in slightly reduced TKW due to shortened grain-filling windows. Despite this, certain lines maintained stable TKW across environments, suggesting potential for breeding climate-resilient cultivars. However, due to the inability to assess additional yield components such as pods per plant or seed number, further multi-environment trials are needed to comprehensively evaluate yield stability and resource-use efficiency under variable field conditions.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Stress as a Constraint in Faba Bean Cultivation\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe observed cold shock injury, characterized by stem discoloration, wilting, and dieback in winter-sown faba bean, is consistent with previous research highlighting the species’ sensitivity to abrupt temperature drops during early developmental stages. Previous studies have explored the physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying cold tolerance in faba bean. For instance, Link et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR44\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2010\u003c/span\u003e provided a comprehensive overview of winter hardiness in faba bean, emphasizing physiological traits such as membrane stability, carbohydrate accumulation, and developmental timing as key contributors to cold tolerance. At the molecular level, (Lyu et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR52\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e) employed long-read isoform sequencing to characterize cold-responsive genes in faba bean, identifying regulatory networks involved in cold signalling, antioxidative defence, and membrane stabilization. Their findings offer valuable insights into the transcriptional landscape associated with freezing tolerance and support the use of transcriptomic data for marker-assisted selection. Despite these advances, the available literature lacks detailed in-field documentation of cold stress manifestations under natural agroecological conditions. This study addresses this gap by providing empirical evidence of cold shock injury under field conditions in NW Europe, where erratic thermal fluctuations and saturated soils are common during winter. The observed symptoms were non-pathogenic, as confirmed by microbiological assays and microscopy, and their incidence was strongly correlated with episodes of sudden temperature decline and high soil moisture.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThese findings are consistent with previous studies that describe cold stress in legumes as a function of mechanical and metabolic disruptions caused by freezing temperatures. Ice crystal formation within plant tissues is known to rupture cell membranes and trigger dehydration, while sudden temperature drops, especially when preceded by precipitation can exacerbate damage through enhanced heat loss, surface ice formation, and root hypoxia due to waterlogging (Ambroise et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e; Pampana et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR60\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e; Pociecha et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR64\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2008\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThese observations are consistent with concerns raised by Link et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR44\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2010\u003c/span\u003e) in their review on winter hardiness in faba bean. They noted that under waterlogged conditions plants may lose turgor, develop water-soaked stems, and eventually blacken, with cold stress often being intensified by excess soil moisture that compromises water relations and increases susceptibility to freezing. However, while this issue was highlighted conceptually, no prior publications have documented its manifestation under field conditions. The present study provides the first field-based evidence of cold shock symptoms across two consecutive seasons, thereby addressing this gap. Nevertheless, further multi-location and multi-year trials are required to assess genotype-specific responses and confirm the consistency of these patterns across diverse environments.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDespite the ability of faba bean to undergo natural cold acclimation over autumn and early winter, the erratic temperature fluctuations typical of the region appear to surpass the acclimation capacity of many genotypes. Cold-induced stress in the present study was particularly pronounced when freezing events coincided with saturated soils and low solar radiation. These conditions likely impaired root respiration and nutrient transport, further compromising plant vigour and survival. At the physiological level, cold stress induces the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to oxidative damage of cellular components such as lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids (Dasgupta et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2025\u003c/span\u003e; Dreyer \u0026amp; Dietz, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e; Manasa S et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR53\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e; Sallam et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR68\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2015a\u003c/span\u003e). The symptoms observed—browning, tissue collapse, and growth arrest—are consistent with such oxidative injuries. The absence of pathogenic growth in culture analyses further supports a non-biotic origin of the damage (Arbaoui \u0026amp; Link, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2008\u003c/span\u003e; Link et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR44\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2010\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSignificant genotypic variation was observed in the severity of cold damage, reflecting differential physiological tolerance. Some lines appeared more capable of sustaining growth under cold stress, likely due to enhanced antioxidative capacity, cryoprotectant accumulation, or structural resilience. Previous studies have shown that frost tolerance in faba bean is a polygenic trait, with high heritability and large additive effects (Duc \u0026amp; Petitjean, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1995\u003c/span\u003e; Lyu et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR52\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e; Sallam et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR67\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e). Controlled freezing tests on hardened winter faba bean have indicated that the most tolerant cultivars (e.g. ‘Côte d’Or’, ‘Hiverna’) can survive repeated exposures to approximately − 12 to − 16°C, whereas more susceptible genotypes show severe injury or death already around − 8 to − 10°C, especially in the absence of snow cover (Arbaoui et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2008\u003c/span\u003e; Inci \u0026amp; Toker, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR32\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2011\u003c/span\u003e; Link et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR44\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2010\u003c/span\u003e). Thus, − 10°C can be considered a severe but still survivable stress for the most winter-hardy lines, while it is close to or beyond the damage threshold for sensitive material, consistent with the contrasting cold responses observed in our panel. Syntenic QTLs related to frost tolerance have also been identified between \u003cem\u003eVicia faba, Pisum sativum\u003c/em\u003e, and \u003cem\u003eMedicago truncatula\u003c/em\u003e (Ali et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e; Lyu et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR52\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e; Tayeh et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR77\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2013\u003c/span\u003e), highlighting the possibility of leveraging comparative genomics in breeding.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eNutritional Quality and Consumer Acceptance\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFaba bean is recognized for its high protein content and favourable digestibility, making it a promising candidate for sustainable plant-based diets. In this study, seed protein content across diverse genotypes ranged from 20.2% to 37.0%, indicating substantial genetic variation. Notably, white-flowered genotypes consistently exhibited higher mean protein levels than pigmented-flowered types, supporting previous findings on the genetic linkage between flower colour, tannin content, and nutritional traits (Duc et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2010\u003c/span\u003e; Khazaei \u0026amp; Vandenberg, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR40\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e). In addition to protein concentration, protein digestibility ranging from 57.6% to 87.4% is normally high. This reinforces previous evidence that faba bean protein is bioavailable and nutritionally valuable (Multari et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR57\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2015\u003c/span\u003e), supporting its role in fortifying plant-based diets (Augustin \u0026amp; Cole, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e). However, protein concentration and digestibility must be balanced with other factors such as sensory properties and anti-nutritional content to ensure overall consumer acceptability.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDespite its nutritional value, the presence of ANFs, notably VC limits the safe consumption of faba bean, particularly among G6PD-deficient individuals. In our study, VC levels varied widely (vicine: 0.01–1.66%, convicine: 0.01–0.64%), confirming the presence of naturally low-VC genotypes within the germplasm. Interestingly, white-flowered genotypes despite their high protein levels, tended to accumulate higher VC content, underscoring the complexity of simultaneously selecting for nutritional and food safety traits (Bishnoi et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1994\u003c/span\u003e; Khazaei et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR39\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e; Ohm et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR59\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e). In addition, significant variation in bitterness was observed during sensory testing, which is likely linked to polyphenol and tannin levels. Although tannins were not quantified here, prior studies have associated phenolic compounds with off-flavours in faba bean (Crépon et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2010\u003c/span\u003e; Hans et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR30\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e; Karolkowski et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR37\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e; Lippolis et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR48\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e). As such, reducing bitterness without compromising nutritional quality presents a key breeding challenge. Complementary post-harvest interventions such as soaking, fermentation, and enzymatic treatments may further mitigate these sensory barriers (Hans et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR30\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e; Lippolis et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR48\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTo facilitate trait screening for both nutritional and anti-nutritional profiles, we harnessed NIRS, which enabled rapid, non-destructive phenotyping across a large sample set. This method supports the integration of high-throughput digital tools into breeding programs targeting both protein quality and reduced ANFs.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec37\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eFunctional and Sensory Qualities\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eBaking trials in this study revealed that selected faba bean genotypes possess favourable functional properties, including high volume-to-weight ratios, improved crumb softness, and acceptable aroma profiles, thereby supporting their use in composite flour applications. These findings align with previous research demonstrating the potential of faba bean flour as a partial substitute for wheat in baked products (Maravić et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR55\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e). Nevertheless, the observed genotype-dependent variation in baking performance underscores the need for targeted breeding strategies focused on functional traits. To further optimize faba bean for food use, future research should investigate starch–protein interactions in faba bean–wheat blends (Johansson et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR34\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e; Li et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR43\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e) the role of hydrocolloids and emulsifiers in enhancing dough stability and crumb structure (Augustin \u0026amp; Cole, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e), and consumer preferences related to taste and texture (Vekeman \u0026amp; Reheul, D., \u0026amp; Van Bockstaele, F, 2020). Collectively, these results indicate that while faba bean holds substantial promise as a protein-rich ingredient for human diets, its successful integration into food systems will require simultaneous attention to biochemical composition and sensory quality.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec38\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eIntegrated Breeding Priorities for Climate-Adapted and Consumer-Accepted Faba Bean\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe diverse phenotypic responses observed in this study ranging from variable cold stress tolerance and protein content to differences in bitterness and baking performance underscore the need for targeted, multi-trait breeding strategies in faba bean. Key breeding objectives in this crop include improved adaptation to abiotic stress and enhanced seed quality through the reduction of major antinutritional factors and improvement of functional properties (Khazaei et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR38\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFor seed safety and nutritional quality, vicine–convicine (\u003cem\u003eVC\u003c/em\u003e) is a central target. The VC trait is controlled by a major locus with wild-type (\u003cem\u003eVC\u003c/em\u003e⁺) and low-vicine (\u003cem\u003evc⁻\u003c/em\u003e) alleles, and several molecular markers are now available for marker-assisted selection of low-VC lines. Early work developed CAPS and SCAR markers tightly linked to the \u003cem\u003evc⁻\u003c/em\u003e allele, enabling efficient tracking of low-VC in breeding populations (Gutierrez et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR25\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2006\u003c/span\u003e). More recently, flanking SNP markers and breeder-friendly assays for the \u003cem\u003eVC\u003c/em\u003e locus have been reported (Khazaei et al., 2015), and the causal gene \u003cem\u003eVC1\u003c/em\u003e encoding a GTP cyclohydrolase II involved in vicine–convicine biosynthesis has been identified, with low-VC cultivars carrying loss-of-function alleles (Björnsdotter et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e; Khazaei et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR39\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e; Tacke et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR75\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e). Together, these markers now permit routine marker-assisted selection for low VC content in elite material.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSeed coat tannins and associated bitterness form a second major quality constraint, particularly for monogastric nutrition and human food uses. The zero-tannin phenotype is governed by two complementary recessive loci, \u003cem\u003ezt1\u003c/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003ezt2\u003c/em\u003e, which disrupt the anthocyanin and condensed tannin pathway (Zanotto et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR82\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e). Diagnostic markers have been developed for \u003cem\u003eVfTTG1\u003c/em\u003e (controlling \u003cem\u003ezt1\u003c/em\u003e) and for the bHLH transcription factor \u003cem\u003eVfTT8\u003c/em\u003e (underlying \u003cem\u003ezt2\u003c/em\u003e), providing functional and allele-specific markers to distinguish zero-tannin from tannin-containing genotypes and to facilitate their deployment in breeding programmes (Gutierrez et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR26\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2007\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR27\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e; Gutierrez \u0026amp; Torres, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e). These marker systems directly address the bitterness and phenolic-related traits highlighted by the sensory and flour characterisation in this study and are already being used to produce commercial zero-tannin cultivars (Lippolis et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR48\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eClimate adaptation, particularly winter survival and frost tolerance, is another critical breeding priority for north-western Europe. QTL mapping and GWAS in winter faba bean have identified genomic regions associated with frost tolerance and winter hardiness, along with linked markers that are suitable for marker-assisted selection (Carrillo-Perdomo et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e; Sallam et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR67\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e). These studies demonstrate that genetic variation for cold tolerance can be captured and exploited through molecular breeding, complementing physiological and field-based screening.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBeyond individual loci, recent genome-wide association and genomic prediction studies have begun to dissect yield-related traits, stress responses and seed quality attributes, including protein content and off-flavours. GWAS on diverse faba bean panels have identified SNPs associated with pod and seed number, seed weight and plot yield, opening opportunities for genomic selection for yield and yield stability (Gutierrez et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e; Lippolis, Gezan, et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR46\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2025\u003c/span\u003e). In parallel, GWAS for off-flavours and protein content has revealed candidate genes and marker–trait associations relevant to sensory quality and nutritional value (Lippolis, Hollebrands, et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR47\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2025\u003c/span\u003e), and recent reviews emphasise the need to treat off-flavour and seed phenolics as explicit breeding targets (Lippolis et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR48\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAlthough the present work did not include genotyping of the evaluated panel, the phenotypic variation in cold response, protein content, bitterness, off-flavour and baking performance characterised here can be aligned with these existing marker resources in breeding populations. In practice, integrated breeding for climate-adapted and consumer-accepted faba bean in north-western Europe will combine (i) digital and physiological phenotyping for winter performance and functional quality, (ii) sensory evaluation to capture consumer-relevant attributes and (iii) marker-assisted and genomic selection based on loci controlling vicine–convicine, tannins, frost tolerance, yield and seed quality (Khazaei et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR38\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e). Coordinated selection across these components is essential to unlock faba bean’s full potential as a climate-resilient, nutritionally valuable and widely accepted crop in sustainable European food systems.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e "},{"header":"Conclusion and Future Directions","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis study reinforces the potential of faba bean as a sustainable, protein-rich crop for human consumption. Across two growing seasons, we demonstrated substantial genotypic variation in agronomic traits, protein content, anti-nutritional factors and baking quality. While faba bean offers high protein digestibility and functional benefits in food applications, adoption remains limited by cold stress sensitivity, bitterness, and inconsistent processing traits.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eImportantly, our results highlight that breeding for cold tolerance, reduced anti-nutritional factors, and improved flavour is essential to enhance consumer acceptance and field performance. The use of non-destructive phenotyping tools such as NIRS offers a scalable solution for trait screening in breeding programs. These findings directly support the EU Farm to Fork strategy, which promotes nutritious, climate-resilient crops to build healthier and more sustainable food systems. While this study provides a foundational understanding of trait diversity and cold response in faba bean under field conditions, further research is needed particularly on the genetic basis of cold adaptation, flavour modulation, and processing functionality to unlock the full value of this underutilized yet highly promising legume.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003ch2\u003eAuthor Contribution\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eS.M. and G.H. designed and coordinated the study, acquired funding and resources, and supervised the research. R.D. conducted the experiments, carried out the research, curated the data, performed the analyses, and wrote the original draft. A.Z. contributed to the chemical analyses and interpretation of compositional data. J.V. supported field phenotyping and data collection. E.D.K. contributed to the breadmaking experiments and loaf quality assessment. R.Z., K.D., S.L., G.V., and C.H. contributed to manuscript review and revision. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAcknowledgement\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eI would like to thank my colleagues who helped with the cultivation, harvesting, scoring, and measurement of the faba bean plants analysed in this research, in particular Margo Van Rysselberghe, Micha\u0026euml;l Goethals, Franky Van Peteghem, and Ilse Delaere.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAguilar-Benitez, D., Casimiro-Soriguer, I., Maalouf, F., \u0026amp; Torres, A. M. (2021). Linkage mapping and QTL analysis of flowering time in faba bean. \u003cem\u003eScientific Reports\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e11\u003c/em\u003e(1), 13716.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlharbi, N. H., \u0026amp; Adhikari, K. N. (2020). 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Botrytis fabiopsis, a new species causing chocolate spot of broad bean in central China. \u003cem\u003eMycologia\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e102\u003c/em\u003e(5), 1114\u0026ndash;1126.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":false,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"euphytica","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"euph","sideBox":"Learn more about [Euphytica](https://www.springer.com/journal/10681)","snPcode":"10681","submissionUrl":"https://submission.springernature.com/new-submission/10681/3","title":"Euphytica","twitterHandle":"","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"stoa","reportingPortfolio":"Springer Hybrid","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":false},"keywords":"Vicia faba L., Cold shock, Protein, Vicine, Convicine, Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS)","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-8647547/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-8647547/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003eFaba bean (\u003cem\u003eVicia faba\u003c/em\u003e L.) is a high-protein legume suited to Northwestern Europe, yet adoption is hindered by limited winter survival, acute cold events, and seed anti-nutritional factors notably vicine and convicine (VC) that constrain food use despite high protein content. We conducted a two-year, two-season study in Belgium (2022–2024) directly comparing winter versus spring accessions via field phenotyping, intact-seed NIRS (n=343), and standardized breadmaking (10% wheat-flour substitution). Winter accessions experienced pronounced cold stress, exhibited slower photothermal growth, and nonetheless produced higher thousand-kernel weight, whereas spring accessions flowered more synchronously and gained height faster per unit thermal time. Culture and microscopy of symptomatic stems indicated that ≈75% of winter injuries were abiotic cold shock, not pathogen mediated. NIRS accurately predicted protein and VC, revealing exploitable diversity: white-flowered lines tended toward higher protein but elevated VC, while several coloured-flowered lines were low-VC, indicating a path to decouple food safety from protein gain. Multiple accessions achieved competitive loaf expansion (V/G ≈4.3) with acceptable crumb texture. These results define breeding priorities for Northwestern Europe: acute cold-shock tolerance with reliable winter hardiness, reduced VC at maintained protein, and validated flour functionality to enable field-to-fork deployment of faba bean.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Faba Beans for Northwestern Europe: A Multi-Criteria Evaluation for Cold Tolerance and Quality","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2026-02-03 05:14:34","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-8647547/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0},{"type":"decision","content":"Revision requested","date":"2026-03-09T10:53:34+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2026-02-21T08:29:44+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2026-02-07T16:48:24+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2026-01-27T07:59:53+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"161931923954544013784503972253581645762","date":"2026-01-23T09:38:18+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"136105875045215289766305502025114826900","date":"2026-01-23T09:25:13+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"65959189287402034053915303222791645833","date":"2026-01-23T07:36:22+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewersInvited","content":"","date":"2026-01-23T07:05:54+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorAssigned","content":"","date":"2026-01-22T11:26:15+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"checksComplete","content":"","date":"2026-01-22T11:21:52+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"submitted","content":"Euphytica","date":"2026-01-20T09:19:43+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"euphytica","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"euph","sideBox":"Learn more about [Euphytica](https://www.springer.com/journal/10681)","snPcode":"10681","submissionUrl":"https://submission.springernature.com/new-submission/10681/3","title":"Euphytica","twitterHandle":"","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"stoa","reportingPortfolio":"Springer Hybrid","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":false}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"ffefa3dc-fe7f-41fd-a8af-2a6a9584855c","owner":[],"postedDate":"February 3rd, 2026","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"in-revision","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2026-03-09T11:10:39+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2026-02-03 05:14:34","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-8647547","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-8647547","identity":"rs-8647547","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"XKTyCvWXoU3ODBz1xrDgd","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}